Biking Around The Neighborhood (Part 2 of 12) (A Friends to Lovers Sweet Romance)
She opened the door to the sunroom to find her mother sitting with a book. A blanket, patterned like her father’s wardrobe, covered her legs.
Olivia had first heard about her mother falling ill a year prior to her visit. She’d wanted to come home so many times before, but work wouldn’t allow for any vacation. Eventually, after a year of making requests, she’d been granted a week.
A single week.
She opened the door to the sunroom to find her mother sitting with a book. A blanket, patterned like her father’s wardrobe, covered her legs.
“Is that my youngest daughter?”
“It’s me, mom,” said Olivia. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” replied her mother. “Don’t let the…” Her mother coughed into a clenched fist. “I’m fine. How have you been? Is your job still everything you ever dreamed of?”
Olivia felt her heart sink. It occurred to her that she hadn’t spoken to her mother about work since her first month on the job. In the two years since, she’d avoided the topic every time they spoke over the phone, often pivoting the conversation to what her mother had gotten herself into in the time since they’d last spoken.
“It’s… Complicated,” replied Olivia.
“Complicated? Is this about work or… Jordan?”
“Jordan and I actually ended things a month ago. I should’ve told you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ve been busy.” She raised the book in her hands. “I’ve been pretty busy myself. I’m currently in the midst of a government conspiracy as a matter of fact.”
“You’re always up to something.”
Olivia wondered how many of her mother’s stories over the phone had come from books.
“Did you and dad actually visit Hawaii last year?” she asked.
The door to the sunroom opened. Olivia stepped aside as her father placed a tray with a kettle and two mugs onto the coffee table.
“Papa,” said her mother, “tell Olivia about Hawaii.”
“Hot. Breezy. Need anything else? The game is about to come on.”
Olivia laughed.
“Go on,” she said. “I can handle the tea. This is tea, right?”
“Peppermint,” he replied. “I already put a dollop of honey into each mug. Enjoy.”
Olivia poured her mother’s mug first.
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