"So what are your and Darien's plans for the summer?" Lia Baker asked.
"Oh, I don't know." Serena breathed deeply. "We just want to spend as much time together as we can."
"Are you nervous about college?"
She shrugged. "In a way. It's going to be weird not seeing the same people I grew up with."
"Yeah, I know. But I guess for me it won't be as bad. I had to start over when I came here."
"Do you miss California?" Serena asked.
"Sometimes." Lia looked directly into her friend's eyes. "But I mostly miss my mom."
Serena heard the quiver in Lia's voice. She looked at her and knew by the way Lia rapidly blinked that she was fighting back tears. "I'm sure she misses you, too, Lia," she said softly.
"I used to convince myself that she did and would even make up excuses why she didn't call or write. I wanted so much for her to care about me. I wanted her to be a real mother." The tears brimmed in her eyes, and then slowly began to fall, sliding gently down her cheeks. "She doesn't want to know me or anything about me."
Serena was at a loss for words. She hated the awkward silence and wished that she could think of something to say--anything to ease the pain her friend was feeling. But she stumbled over the words in her mind. Nothing she could say would even remotely relate to Lia's situation. Serena felt fortunate to have a mother she knew loved her and sacrificed unconditionally for her. She couldn't imagine not having her mother around. But at least Lia had her father. Eric Baker genuinely loved his children and did the best he could for them. It was obvious to everyone who met him-- not just an act to be put on for public appearances.
"Lia, if you ever need someone to talk to, I know my mom would be there for you," Serena said compassionately.
"I know," Lia sniffed, "and I really appreciate it, Serena." She wiped her eyes. "I know your mom would talk to me, but I don't want you to think I'm trying to push myself into her life."
Serena laughed. "I'm not a little kid who's jealous of Mommy."
Lia smiled. "The best part of moving here was finding a friend like you."
Morrison Baker put his hands behind his head and leaned back into the sofa. "So what did you think of the movie?"
"I liked it. It wasn't what I expected," Lita answered.
"Yeah, it was better than I thought it would be." He put his feet on the coffee table. "So when's Heather Miller moving?"
"In a couple of weeks."
"You gonna miss her?"
Lita shrugged. "I don't know. We're not as close as we used to be."
"It's not because of me, is it?"
"Why would you think that?" she asked with a laugh.
"Well, I take up a lot of your time."
Lita smiled. "That's my choice. But as far as Heather goes, we've grown apart the past year. I'll miss her being around, but it's not like we were hanging out anymore."
"Life's weird, isn't it?"
"Why?"
"I don't know." He frowned. "A couple of years ago you probably would have been really upset about Heather's move."
"Yeah, we were super close then."
"I just don't understand how people can change their feelings," he said sourly.
"Morrison, people drift apart. Their interests change. All of a sudden, one day you just realize you don't even like the same things anymore. That's life." She studied his face, wondering what was really bothering him.
"Yeah, like my mom drifting apart from me and Lia."
Lita heard the anger in his voice. "It's not the same thing. You have a natural bond with a parent. That bond is different than the one you have with a friend."
"Yeah, right," he answered sarcastically. "My bond with my mom is so strong that she couldn't care less if we live or die."
Lita watched as Morrison clenched and unclenched his fists. She wished she could do something to ease his pain.
Irene finished putting the dishes away, then poured herself a cup of coffee. For the past hour she'd rehearsed over and over in her mind what she would say to Ken Tsukino.
The phone rang, but stopped right before she reached it. One of the girls must have picked it up, she thought.
Moments later Serena burst into the room. "Mom, we just got another one of those calls."
"Not again! I'm getting fed up with it."
"I thought the cops were going to put a tap on the line," Serena said.
"I'll see if Amy can drive me down tomorrow. We shouldn't have to put up with this!"
"What's going on?" Lita asked as she grabbed a soda from the refrigerator.
"Another call," Serena answered.
"I'll make sure something is done tomorrow." Irene picked up her cup of coffee and walked over to the table. "We have to start planning your graduation party, Serena. Is there anything special you'd like?"
"No." She looked at Lita, then both girls burst into laughter.
"What?" Irene asked puzzled.
"Nothing," Serena laughed.
Irene smiled. "Come on, you two. I know you're up to something."
"It's just that all the kids are having the same party," Lita said.
"What do you mean?"
"Mom, the party will mostly just be a get-together for the adults. Not that I don't want the party, because I do," Serena explained.
Irene smiled again. "You're probably right. It's a chance for us proud parents to brag about our children's accomplishments and future goals."
"Well, we'll let you enjoy your day, Mom," Serena said.
"Oh, I thank you," Irene laughed. "When's Darien getting home from college?"
Serena 's eyes brightened. "In ten days."
"That'll be a relief," Lita said. "At least I won't have to hear her constantly talk about how she misses him."
"You should talk," Serena said. "Morison's name pops up about every ten seconds."
"Well, he's going through a tough time right now."
"What's wrong, honey?" Irene asked.
Lita sighed. "I don't know. He's been thinking about his mother a lot. He's just so depressed."
"Lia's going through the same thing," Serena added.
"Is Mrs. Baker coming to the graduation?" Irene asked.
"No, she supposedly can't get away from work," Serena said sarcastically.
"You're kidding! Her own child's graduation. No wonder those kids are upset."
"Lia never said too much before, but she's so hurt. She was crying, Mom, and I told her if she needed someone to talk to, you would be there for her."
"Of course, Serena. You know how much I care for her and Morrison."
"Now I know why Morrison is so angry," Lita said. "I didn't know that his mother wasn't coming to Lia's graduation."
"At least they have a good father to rely on," Irene said.
"Yeah, but Lia says there's some stuff you can't talk to your Dad about that you would with your mother."
"Tell Lia I'll help her in any way I can," Irene said.
"Thanks, Mom." Serena yawned. "Well, I'm going to bed."
"Me, too," Lita said. "By the way, Mom, call Ken." She winked at Serena.
"What?"
"We're not stupid, Mom," Serena grinned. "We've heard you talking about him to Amy."
"Well, it was just a thought."
"Go for it," Lita urged.
"I don't know," she answered uneasily. "Maybe he's with someone."
"There's only one way to find out," Serena persisted.
"How do you girls really feel about me dating again?"
"Ken seems nice. At least what I remember about him. We didn't actually get to know him."
"He's definitely not like Alexander or Dad," Lita added.
"I suppose a phone call won't hurt," Irene reasoned, without letting her daughters know that she had already intended to call him. Lita and Serena grinned as they walked out of the room.
"Goodnight, girls," Irene called after them.
She poured another cup of coffee, then walked over to the phone. She put her trembling hand on it, slowly picking it up. Her palm was sweaty. She took her time pushing the numbers. Her heart pounded and she could feel her cheeks flush. This is silly, she thought. I'm acting like a teenager.
The phone rang four times, and Irene was ready to hang up when she heard the phone being picked up on the other end.
"Hello," a groggy voice answered. Irene's first reaction was to hang up, but her sweaty palm kept the receiver close to her ear. Seconds ticked by.
"Hello," the voice repeated, but now with a trace of annoyance.
"Is this Ken Tsukino?" she finally asked.
"Yes, it is. May I ask who's calling?"
"Irene Copeland," she answered softly, almost breathlessly. Her heart was beating so fast she could barely catch her breath.
After an awkward silence, Ken spoke. "Is this official business?"
Irene presumed he was deliberately putting her on the spot, and she didn't blame him. "No, I . . . I wondered if you would like to get together sometime for a cup of coffee." Her cheeks grew hot as she nervously toyed with the phone cord. She could hear him slowly let his breath out. "I don't know if that's such a good idea."
She was suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Ken. I don't know what I was thinking. It's been a year ... I shouldn't have called. Goodbye." She took the phone from her ear and as she lowered it heard, "Irene, wait!"
She brought the phone back up to her ear. "Yes?" she half-whispered.
"It's not what you think. I'm not with anyone. You just caught me by surprise." His words came in a rush. "If you don't mind, why don't I come over for a cup of coffee? I can be there in twenty minutes."
"Okay, I'll see you then."
She hurried down the hall to her room and to her closet, where she quickly searched through her clothes for something to wear. Finally she settled on a pair of dress slacks and a simple blouse. She ran a brush through her hair, then walked back into the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. She grabbed a package of cookies from the cupboard, arranging them on a plate. A few minutes later the doorbell rang. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She tried to calm her jangling nerves.
"Who's there?" she called.
"Ken."
She took another deep breath, then released the deadbolt and opened the door.
Ken's muscular body leaned against the wall. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a short-sleeved dress shirt that had the top two buttons undone, revealing dark curly chest hairs. "Nice to see you again, Irene," he said with a smile as he walked into the room.
She returned his smile. "I thought we could have our coffee in the kitchen if you don't mind?"
"You remember how I hate formalities," he grinned as he followed her into the kitchen.
That she did remember. He was at home sitting at a kitchen table. Irene poured the coffee, and then offered him cookies.
He sipped at his coffee as he stared at her. "I must say you're looking well."
"Thank you," she blushed. She noticed the rippling muscles in his arms.
"Has Alexander left you alone?" he asked.
"I hope so."
He frowned. "What does that mean?"
She explained about the phone calls. "I can't blame him. It could be anyone."
"But why now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why would someone just single you out?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe something in my book offended the caller."
"I don't think so. I read your book."
Her eyes widened. "You did?"
"Does that surprise you?"
She laughed. "It doesn't seem like your type of book."
"You're forgetting something."
"What?" she asked.
"I personally know the author. That makes the difference."
Her cheeks grew warm.
"Am I embarrassing you?" he asked.
"Maybe just a little." She picked up a spoon and turned it over. "So, what did you think of it?"
"Hmmm." He leaned back in his chair. "I liked it. It's you."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you mean?"
"Anyone who knows any little thing about you would know the main character is you."
"Is that good or bad?" she asked.
"Definitely good. You're a very sensitive, caring person." He stared into her eyes.
Irene felt like he was staring into her very soul. She wondered what he could see.
"I think its Alexander," Ken announced.
"What?" His words startled her back to reality.
"The phone calls."
"I don't know. They aren't all the time."
"But just enough to annoy you."
She nodded. "I feel like this person has the upper hand. I feel like I'm being watched. I wonder every time I go out the door if the caller is crouching behind some bush just waiting for the exact moment to make his move."
"Are the police aware of the calls?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"If the calls continue, I'm supposed to notify them and a tap will be placed on the phone."
"So why don't you have a tap?"
"The calls come in spurts, and since they're considered a nuisance and nonthreatening, they decided to wait until they come more frequently."
Ken's jaw muscle twitched. "Tomorrow you're getting a tap." His voice was angry and definite. "Are they aware of your previous trouble with Alexander?" he asked.
"Yes, but they have no proof it's him."
"I'll take care of all the details tomorrow." He reached for a cookie and took a large bite. Irene poured more coffee.
"Thanks, Ken, for your help." She looked into his eyes. "But I don't want you to think that's the reason I invited you over."
"Why did you invite me over, Irene?" He looked intently and expectantly at her.
"The last time we saw each other it was very awkward and I felt bad at how it ended. I wanted to apologize." The pain of rejection came into his eyes, a pain with which she was very familiar. She had felt that same pain in both of her marriages. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a syllable, Ken was on his feet.
"Thanks for the coffee," he said stiffly.
She knew it was his protective instinct. He'd never allow her to see his vulnerable side. But she felt the urgency to explain her feelings.
"I'll make sure you have the tap put on tomorrow," he said indifferently, as though he were in uniform and she was one of many who called upon him in his role of protector to do the job he was paid for. He headed for the door.
"Ken, please wait." She placed a hand on his arm. The heat of his flesh made her fingertips tingle.
"Irene, I wish only the best for you and I'm happy for you that your writing has taken off. You deserve all good things and I know someday you'll find the right person."
She looked up at him until his eyes met hers. "Ken, will you please just be quiet for a moment and listen to me?" Her voice was loud.
He looked deep into her eyes. "What are you trying to tell me?" he asked hopefully. Instinctively she tilted her head forward and on tiptoes gently brushed her lips against his. He was stunned into silence.
"A year ago I wasn't ready for any type of relationship," she explained, "but I knew that when I was, it was you I wanted to be with."
A slow grin broke over his face as her words sank in.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you. But I knew it wouldn't be fair to you until I had time to get my emotions back on track. I still have a lot to resolve. But if you want to take that chance, I'm ready."
"Thank you, Irene," he said softly.
"For what?"
"For giving me something to look forward to again."
"Oh, I don't know." Serena breathed deeply. "We just want to spend as much time together as we can."
"Are you nervous about college?"
She shrugged. "In a way. It's going to be weird not seeing the same people I grew up with."
"Yeah, I know. But I guess for me it won't be as bad. I had to start over when I came here."
"Do you miss California?" Serena asked.
"Sometimes." Lia looked directly into her friend's eyes. "But I mostly miss my mom."
Serena heard the quiver in Lia's voice. She looked at her and knew by the way Lia rapidly blinked that she was fighting back tears. "I'm sure she misses you, too, Lia," she said softly.
"I used to convince myself that she did and would even make up excuses why she didn't call or write. I wanted so much for her to care about me. I wanted her to be a real mother." The tears brimmed in her eyes, and then slowly began to fall, sliding gently down her cheeks. "She doesn't want to know me or anything about me."
Serena was at a loss for words. She hated the awkward silence and wished that she could think of something to say--anything to ease the pain her friend was feeling. But she stumbled over the words in her mind. Nothing she could say would even remotely relate to Lia's situation. Serena felt fortunate to have a mother she knew loved her and sacrificed unconditionally for her. She couldn't imagine not having her mother around. But at least Lia had her father. Eric Baker genuinely loved his children and did the best he could for them. It was obvious to everyone who met him-- not just an act to be put on for public appearances.
"Lia, if you ever need someone to talk to, I know my mom would be there for you," Serena said compassionately.
"I know," Lia sniffed, "and I really appreciate it, Serena." She wiped her eyes. "I know your mom would talk to me, but I don't want you to think I'm trying to push myself into her life."
Serena laughed. "I'm not a little kid who's jealous of Mommy."
Lia smiled. "The best part of moving here was finding a friend like you."
Morrison Baker put his hands behind his head and leaned back into the sofa. "So what did you think of the movie?"
"I liked it. It wasn't what I expected," Lita answered.
"Yeah, it was better than I thought it would be." He put his feet on the coffee table. "So when's Heather Miller moving?"
"In a couple of weeks."
"You gonna miss her?"
Lita shrugged. "I don't know. We're not as close as we used to be."
"It's not because of me, is it?"
"Why would you think that?" she asked with a laugh.
"Well, I take up a lot of your time."
Lita smiled. "That's my choice. But as far as Heather goes, we've grown apart the past year. I'll miss her being around, but it's not like we were hanging out anymore."
"Life's weird, isn't it?"
"Why?"
"I don't know." He frowned. "A couple of years ago you probably would have been really upset about Heather's move."
"Yeah, we were super close then."
"I just don't understand how people can change their feelings," he said sourly.
"Morrison, people drift apart. Their interests change. All of a sudden, one day you just realize you don't even like the same things anymore. That's life." She studied his face, wondering what was really bothering him.
"Yeah, like my mom drifting apart from me and Lia."
Lita heard the anger in his voice. "It's not the same thing. You have a natural bond with a parent. That bond is different than the one you have with a friend."
"Yeah, right," he answered sarcastically. "My bond with my mom is so strong that she couldn't care less if we live or die."
Lita watched as Morrison clenched and unclenched his fists. She wished she could do something to ease his pain.
Irene finished putting the dishes away, then poured herself a cup of coffee. For the past hour she'd rehearsed over and over in her mind what she would say to Ken Tsukino.
The phone rang, but stopped right before she reached it. One of the girls must have picked it up, she thought.
Moments later Serena burst into the room. "Mom, we just got another one of those calls."
"Not again! I'm getting fed up with it."
"I thought the cops were going to put a tap on the line," Serena said.
"I'll see if Amy can drive me down tomorrow. We shouldn't have to put up with this!"
"What's going on?" Lita asked as she grabbed a soda from the refrigerator.
"Another call," Serena answered.
"I'll make sure something is done tomorrow." Irene picked up her cup of coffee and walked over to the table. "We have to start planning your graduation party, Serena. Is there anything special you'd like?"
"No." She looked at Lita, then both girls burst into laughter.
"What?" Irene asked puzzled.
"Nothing," Serena laughed.
Irene smiled. "Come on, you two. I know you're up to something."
"It's just that all the kids are having the same party," Lita said.
"What do you mean?"
"Mom, the party will mostly just be a get-together for the adults. Not that I don't want the party, because I do," Serena explained.
Irene smiled again. "You're probably right. It's a chance for us proud parents to brag about our children's accomplishments and future goals."
"Well, we'll let you enjoy your day, Mom," Serena said.
"Oh, I thank you," Irene laughed. "When's Darien getting home from college?"
Serena 's eyes brightened. "In ten days."
"That'll be a relief," Lita said. "At least I won't have to hear her constantly talk about how she misses him."
"You should talk," Serena said. "Morison's name pops up about every ten seconds."
"Well, he's going through a tough time right now."
"What's wrong, honey?" Irene asked.
Lita sighed. "I don't know. He's been thinking about his mother a lot. He's just so depressed."
"Lia's going through the same thing," Serena added.
"Is Mrs. Baker coming to the graduation?" Irene asked.
"No, she supposedly can't get away from work," Serena said sarcastically.
"You're kidding! Her own child's graduation. No wonder those kids are upset."
"Lia never said too much before, but she's so hurt. She was crying, Mom, and I told her if she needed someone to talk to, you would be there for her."
"Of course, Serena. You know how much I care for her and Morrison."
"Now I know why Morrison is so angry," Lita said. "I didn't know that his mother wasn't coming to Lia's graduation."
"At least they have a good father to rely on," Irene said.
"Yeah, but Lia says there's some stuff you can't talk to your Dad about that you would with your mother."
"Tell Lia I'll help her in any way I can," Irene said.
"Thanks, Mom." Serena yawned. "Well, I'm going to bed."
"Me, too," Lita said. "By the way, Mom, call Ken." She winked at Serena.
"What?"
"We're not stupid, Mom," Serena grinned. "We've heard you talking about him to Amy."
"Well, it was just a thought."
"Go for it," Lita urged.
"I don't know," she answered uneasily. "Maybe he's with someone."
"There's only one way to find out," Serena persisted.
"How do you girls really feel about me dating again?"
"Ken seems nice. At least what I remember about him. We didn't actually get to know him."
"He's definitely not like Alexander or Dad," Lita added.
"I suppose a phone call won't hurt," Irene reasoned, without letting her daughters know that she had already intended to call him. Lita and Serena grinned as they walked out of the room.
"Goodnight, girls," Irene called after them.
She poured another cup of coffee, then walked over to the phone. She put her trembling hand on it, slowly picking it up. Her palm was sweaty. She took her time pushing the numbers. Her heart pounded and she could feel her cheeks flush. This is silly, she thought. I'm acting like a teenager.
The phone rang four times, and Irene was ready to hang up when she heard the phone being picked up on the other end.
"Hello," a groggy voice answered. Irene's first reaction was to hang up, but her sweaty palm kept the receiver close to her ear. Seconds ticked by.
"Hello," the voice repeated, but now with a trace of annoyance.
"Is this Ken Tsukino?" she finally asked.
"Yes, it is. May I ask who's calling?"
"Irene Copeland," she answered softly, almost breathlessly. Her heart was beating so fast she could barely catch her breath.
After an awkward silence, Ken spoke. "Is this official business?"
Irene presumed he was deliberately putting her on the spot, and she didn't blame him. "No, I . . . I wondered if you would like to get together sometime for a cup of coffee." Her cheeks grew hot as she nervously toyed with the phone cord. She could hear him slowly let his breath out. "I don't know if that's such a good idea."
She was suddenly embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Ken. I don't know what I was thinking. It's been a year ... I shouldn't have called. Goodbye." She took the phone from her ear and as she lowered it heard, "Irene, wait!"
She brought the phone back up to her ear. "Yes?" she half-whispered.
"It's not what you think. I'm not with anyone. You just caught me by surprise." His words came in a rush. "If you don't mind, why don't I come over for a cup of coffee? I can be there in twenty minutes."
"Okay, I'll see you then."
She hurried down the hall to her room and to her closet, where she quickly searched through her clothes for something to wear. Finally she settled on a pair of dress slacks and a simple blouse. She ran a brush through her hair, then walked back into the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. She grabbed a package of cookies from the cupboard, arranging them on a plate. A few minutes later the doorbell rang. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She tried to calm her jangling nerves.
"Who's there?" she called.
"Ken."
She took another deep breath, then released the deadbolt and opened the door.
Ken's muscular body leaned against the wall. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a short-sleeved dress shirt that had the top two buttons undone, revealing dark curly chest hairs. "Nice to see you again, Irene," he said with a smile as he walked into the room.
She returned his smile. "I thought we could have our coffee in the kitchen if you don't mind?"
"You remember how I hate formalities," he grinned as he followed her into the kitchen.
That she did remember. He was at home sitting at a kitchen table. Irene poured the coffee, and then offered him cookies.
He sipped at his coffee as he stared at her. "I must say you're looking well."
"Thank you," she blushed. She noticed the rippling muscles in his arms.
"Has Alexander left you alone?" he asked.
"I hope so."
He frowned. "What does that mean?"
She explained about the phone calls. "I can't blame him. It could be anyone."
"But why now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why would someone just single you out?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe something in my book offended the caller."
"I don't think so. I read your book."
Her eyes widened. "You did?"
"Does that surprise you?"
She laughed. "It doesn't seem like your type of book."
"You're forgetting something."
"What?" she asked.
"I personally know the author. That makes the difference."
Her cheeks grew warm.
"Am I embarrassing you?" he asked.
"Maybe just a little." She picked up a spoon and turned it over. "So, what did you think of it?"
"Hmmm." He leaned back in his chair. "I liked it. It's you."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you mean?"
"Anyone who knows any little thing about you would know the main character is you."
"Is that good or bad?" she asked.
"Definitely good. You're a very sensitive, caring person." He stared into her eyes.
Irene felt like he was staring into her very soul. She wondered what he could see.
"I think its Alexander," Ken announced.
"What?" His words startled her back to reality.
"The phone calls."
"I don't know. They aren't all the time."
"But just enough to annoy you."
She nodded. "I feel like this person has the upper hand. I feel like I'm being watched. I wonder every time I go out the door if the caller is crouching behind some bush just waiting for the exact moment to make his move."
"Are the police aware of the calls?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"If the calls continue, I'm supposed to notify them and a tap will be placed on the phone."
"So why don't you have a tap?"
"The calls come in spurts, and since they're considered a nuisance and nonthreatening, they decided to wait until they come more frequently."
Ken's jaw muscle twitched. "Tomorrow you're getting a tap." His voice was angry and definite. "Are they aware of your previous trouble with Alexander?" he asked.
"Yes, but they have no proof it's him."
"I'll take care of all the details tomorrow." He reached for a cookie and took a large bite. Irene poured more coffee.
"Thanks, Ken, for your help." She looked into his eyes. "But I don't want you to think that's the reason I invited you over."
"Why did you invite me over, Irene?" He looked intently and expectantly at her.
"The last time we saw each other it was very awkward and I felt bad at how it ended. I wanted to apologize." The pain of rejection came into his eyes, a pain with which she was very familiar. She had felt that same pain in both of her marriages. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a syllable, Ken was on his feet.
"Thanks for the coffee," he said stiffly.
She knew it was his protective instinct. He'd never allow her to see his vulnerable side. But she felt the urgency to explain her feelings.
"I'll make sure you have the tap put on tomorrow," he said indifferently, as though he were in uniform and she was one of many who called upon him in his role of protector to do the job he was paid for. He headed for the door.
"Ken, please wait." She placed a hand on his arm. The heat of his flesh made her fingertips tingle.
"Irene, I wish only the best for you and I'm happy for you that your writing has taken off. You deserve all good things and I know someday you'll find the right person."
She looked up at him until his eyes met hers. "Ken, will you please just be quiet for a moment and listen to me?" Her voice was loud.
He looked deep into her eyes. "What are you trying to tell me?" he asked hopefully. Instinctively she tilted her head forward and on tiptoes gently brushed her lips against his. He was stunned into silence.
"A year ago I wasn't ready for any type of relationship," she explained, "but I knew that when I was, it was you I wanted to be with."
A slow grin broke over his face as her words sank in.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you. But I knew it wouldn't be fair to you until I had time to get my emotions back on track. I still have a lot to resolve. But if you want to take that chance, I'm ready."
"Thank you, Irene," he said softly.
"For what?"
"For giving me something to look forward to again."