38. Dani
I’m sitting on the big chair in front of the big window in the living room inside my house while I’m endlessly scrolling on Instagram to see what posts I’ve missed.
I haven’t been on social media that much lately. That’s crazy to even think about considering I’m usually on Instagram every single day—for hours at a time.
Is it unhealthy? Yes, of course it is. Do I care? No.
It’s hard to not be on social media, especially promoting a book.
One of my favorite things about this community is being able to engage with readers and fellow authors. I love receiving sweet messages from readers about how excited they are to read my book.
I’ve spent years fine-tuning my debut romance novel.
It hasn’t hit me by this time next year, I’ll be a published author.
Fucking insane.
I hear the sound of the garage door opening which means Mom’s home. I don’t get up because I’m too lazy to.
Noah’s still at the kitchen table, writing his heart out and wearing those Buddy Holly glasses that make my heart skip a beat.
The laundry room door slams closed.
“I’m home.” I hear a sweet voice that belongs to my mother, traveling its way into the living room.
I decide to get up, running over to her. I just about knock her down like a bowling ball knocking down a bunch of bowling pins. Wrapping my arms around her tight like a Grandma does with her grandkid, I hear her huffing.
“What’s the occasion?” Confusion fuses with happiness in her tone.
“I know I don’t say this enough but I love you and I appreciate you so much.”
“I love you too, Sweet Girl.”
I take in her scent. A combination of florals and the sea.
She releases me, looking at me with admiration.
I narrow my eyes slightly. “What?”
“I’m so proud of you. Some days I can’t believe you’re my daughter.”
“Thank you but…what the hell are you talking about?”
“You have this drive I never had when I was your age. You’re inspiring, Dani. Look at the community you’ve built on your social media platforms. You’re a leader. You always have been. I’m just so proud of you.”
Don’t cry. I’ve cried enough today.
Reaching out to grab her hands, I interlock them with mine. “Thank you.”
I glance in Noah’s direction. He’s totally unaware that Mom is home because he has his wireless earbuds in. His head is bobbing around to the beat of whatever song he’s listening to.
From where I’m standing, he looks like an idiot.
A very cute idiot.