My CEO 179

179 Settling In

(Winona)

Mom comes back through first and I get up to go make her some tea.

"Do you take cream and sugar?" I never remember her drinking to

She shakes her head. "No. Just plain thanks."

Maybe she couldn't afford cream and sugar before. My mind is full of a lot of maybes as I make her drink and take it into the living room and hand it to her. "Mom, sit down. Relax."

She takes it with a smile and sits on the edge of the sofa. Resting her cup on the side table. "This is all so much, Winona. I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," I say, taking a sip of my tea. "We're family. This is what we do for each. other. Plus, it probably is my fault that the house got torched. I did go in with both feet, and I could have handled things a little more calmly."

She nods, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. She's never really had a family like this before-a family that's there for her, that supports her. And I'm not sure she knows how to handle it.

I can't say I'm sorry it's gone but I know it was the only home you knew. I get that. But you're resilient and you'll reinvent yourself again whether it's here in this city or elsewhere. I have faith in you." "But I don't deserve such grace from you."

"Mom, I can hold onto the past, but I don't want to. I want a peaceful and happy life. That's what I want for all of us. Don't let guilt over something we can't change ruin our chance now."

"I'm not looking for you to forgive me. It's me that has to to forgive me. I know I could have done better and I'm sorry I didn't. You deserved so much better."

"Thank you for saying that. For a long time I didn't believe that myself. But now I know I do deserve happiness and I know you and Cass do as well. I think we can be good for each other, and for Abby." "You are a very dedicated mother."

"Abby is my world. You'll understand when Jayden brings her home."

but does Jayden live

home. Jayden has a penthouse apartment. I wont even get started on that level of luxury, but it's what he's been raised with. We are working out how

I think that sharing a space and routines would be a tricky thing

armchair

"Something good or

the guest wing but it will take a lot of adjustment. I

179 Settling in

+25 BONUS

not compulsory to

washing and drying the dishes by hand, young lady," Mom

Cass gives a groan.

to convenience is way easier than adjusting back. Give it some time. You'll both

how she is.

sips her tea, her hands shaking slightly. I'm getting that

About.... how we

the relevant departments and give them your temporary

just helping out in the community. Listening to those who needed it and helping serve soup. That sort of thing. Not much money but a little extra and I can't do cleaning now.

kitty

start looking for jobs right away, unless you've changed your mind

I haven't

have a gap year. Get some work experience and then go to college with some focus. Keep your

idea." Mom agrees.

do you want

Cass shrugs.

well do you have

interests maybe artistically?"

don't have a

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