20. Gemma
20
Gemma
A s she sits down, Lottie begins what sounds like a rehearsed speech. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here yesterday. I don’t miss work too much but when Caroline called, I knew I needed a day to settle my thoughts before I spoke with you. I’m so glad you stuck around and came back. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself otherwise I don’t think.”
I open my mouth to speak but close it again. My mind is reeling, and I don’t know how to feel or what to ask first. I make a point to clear my head and then set my shoulders back and ask “It’s you, isn’t it? You’re my mother?”
Brooks almost looks a bit taken aback by how straight to the point that was. But oddly enough, Lottie doesn’t seem to be.
In fact, she seems to have lost all of her nerves. She looks me straight in the eyes and her face softens. “Yes, I am. I moved here when I found out I was pregnant with you.”
“But I wasn’t born here,” I say as a statement, but it comes out sounding more like a question.
“No. I was home visiting when my water broke so you were born in Sunflower Springs. We were able to keep it quiet aside from a few rumors though. We didn’t have smart phones and all that back then, thank God.” She pauses and then adds, “Caroline said you’ve caused quite a stir asking questions and she finds it hilarious. Folks are accusing other folks of having secret babies all over the place.” She ends with a laugh that sounds so genuine and comforting.
I’m immediately embarrassed. “Whoops.” I giggle.
I glance over at Brooks and am surprised by how much he is smiling. He never likes to be away from the ranch, but he looks like he is enjoying watching the two of us talk and get to know each other. Lottie must really be loved here because she is able to continue her break for almost an hour before her boss comes to let her know she needs to take a few new tables. I exchange numbers with my newly discovered mother and hug her goodbye with tears in my eyes. As I let her go, I notice that her eyes aren’t dry either.
As we are leaving the diner to get back on the road, I grab Brooks’ hand and wrap my other around his arm. “Thank you so, so much, Brooks. I couldn’t have gotten this far without you, and I will forever be grateful.”
He nods with a smile on his face. But I swear I see his eyes glisten.
Brooks insists on driving again. I don’t bother arguing with him. My head is absolutely spinning from all the developments that have taken place over the last 24 hours. I am going to have one hell of a FaceTime call with Liv tonight. I have been keeping her updated here and there via text but there is still so much more to tell her.
I’m not sure what to do next. I guess my next step will probably be to head back home. Lottie told us that no one in Sunflower Springs knows about me, including my biological father. So, it is pretty evident that I’m not going to get much information staying around there. The thought of going back home to my parents, and Liv, and Tux makes me so happy. But the thought of leaving Sunflower Springs, the thought of leaving Brooks, makes me want to cry.
Sure, I can come visit. I plan to. I can’t wait to bring Oliva and introduce her to everyone. Olivia would absolutely love Sunflower Springs, I’m sure of it. But the idea of not waking up to Brooks banging on my door is depressing. Although nothing beats waking up on his chest entirely naked this morning. I look over at him with a sad smile. His face seems to have tensed a bit like he has the same thoughts running through his face.
I decide I’m not ready to face the inevitable yet. For now, I will continue to enjoy our time together. I will continue to enjoy being his. It’s already Thursday. The week is pretty much spent. With Liv staying at my place, there’s nothing so urgent at home that I can’t stay in Sunflower Springs through most of the weekend. It will actually be nice feeling like a visitor instead of a half-ass detective. I can face the real world when the sun comes up Sunday.
I reach over and slide my hand into the free hand Brooks has resting on his lap. I take satisfaction in the slight loosening of his jaw as he squeezes my hand. Something about knowing I have an effect on him gives me extra butterflies.
“Do you think your mom would mind if I took up the room in the B&B another couple of days? I know I have my Sunflower Springs answers but I’m just not ready to leave yet.”
Brooks relaxes his shoulders and looks over at me with a lopsided smile. “She won’t mind one bit. I promise.” He pauses before adding, “I wasn’t gonna keep ya up late if you were heading out in the morning but if you’re stickin’ around...”
More butterflies. “Well, I am so what do you have in mind?”
“Mason is having one of his bonfire parties down at the creek tonight. He’s been blowing my phone up trying to get us to come but I didn’t want you fallin’ asleep at the wheel or somethin’ because I kept you out too late.”
“Okay give me more credit than that. But is it like a party, party? Because I may make it an early night anyway if it is. I’ve had enough of those for a lifetime I think.”
“Oh, Sunflower. This isn’t one of those prick parties you're used to. This is a good old-fashioned night on the creek bed. Think a bunch of rednecks and their better halves gathered around a bonfire actin a fool with moonshine in their hands.” The mischievous glint in his eyes is enough to melt any and all resistance I may be feeling.
“Okay you sold me. I’m in.” I laugh. “To speak your language, do I need to get all gussied up or is this a jeans and messy bun occasion?”
The belly laugh that comes out of Brooks is everything. “You can wear whatever you want baby, but it is definitely not a gussied up kinda party.”