Chapter Twenty-Four
M AUDE
I sat in my rocking chair, blowing the steam from my cup of coffee while reaching for another shortbread cookie. Kerrie had taken Tommy to karate practice, and Nella had tagged along so she could play with one of her friends who’d also be there.
Sophie came into the living room, peering at me, her hands clasped in front of her. She glanced around almost nervously.
“You have something you want to say?” I asked, getting straight to the point. No sense in making us both uncomfortable with her fidgeting.
“Yeah, I wondered if I could talk to you about some things. I’m not real sure how to broach the subject with Mom.”
I set my cup down. “Are you needing the birds and bees talk or whatever it is you kids call it nowadays?”
“Um, definitely not.” She laughed. “I’ve already had that one.” Sophie moved toward the couch and plopped on it, grabbing a throw pillow to clutch in her lap.
“Phew, that’ll make this talk a lot easier,” I said, letting out a breath of relief. “What’s on your mind, kid?”
“So, with the help of Carlos and my art teacher, I’ve put together a portfolio to an art school in New York. I sent everything out yesterday. The thing is, I’m nervous about telling Mom. I know she depends on me a lot, and, I just don’t want to hurt her or make her worry, or anything like that.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Yeah, but what’s even worse, I haven’t even told Mya yet, either. She wanted us to go to the same college, but I realized after working with Carlos this summer how much I love art and want to pursue that.” She sighed, running her hands over the throw pillow. “I feel like I’m going to upset everyone with my decision, but I know this is what I’m passionate about.”
“Sophie, you need to pursue your dreams. Trust me when I say, your mom is strong, and she’ll be okay. Look at how far she’s come since the divorce. She’s out here kicking butt and taking names. Going from being a stay-at-home mom to the new VP of All For You Greeting Cards. And she’s raised some amazing kids, if I do say so myself.”
“I know, I’m proud of her. She’s always put us kids first.”
“Exactly. She’ll understand, and the sooner you tell her, the sooner she’ll be able to get used to the idea of you being in New York. You should also come clean with Mya, too. Don’t wait too long to tell her. She’ll be more hurt if you keep it from her.”
Sophie smiled, her eyes welling. “You’re right, of course.”
“Damn right, I am, but I also have decades of experience. These wrinkles were earned like merit badges, kid,” I rubbed my old hands together.
“I don’t know why I was freaking out so much. It’s just, I don’t want to let anyone down, you know?”
“Trust me, Sophie, you won’t be letting anyone down. Your mom, when she finds out, will be so proud of you. She knows you’re going to make your own choices as you mature, and this is one of them.”
“I don’t even know if I’ll get into the school.”
“Pfft, none of that negative talk from you. They have to let you in, and if they don’t, they’re certified boobs.”
Sophie laughed, then stood and came over to give me a hug. “Thank you, Grandma Maude. You always say the right things at the right time.”
I hugged her tight. “Anytime you need me, I’m right here.”
As she walked out of the room, I smiled. Sophie was strong like her mama. I had every faith she’d get into the art school. She was so talented. And Kerrie would be just fine. She’d proved as much after all she’d gone through this past year. Plus, she’d have a lot more on her plate to keep her busy in the coming months with her helping Mr. Dancy run things.
So many things were changing, but I knew they were for the better. Grabbing my cup of coffee once more, I settled back in, looking forward to whatever the future brought us all.