23. Aaron

23

AARON

I’m home and well-rested the week after my trip, but nothing feels the same, not even my apartment, which is odd. Not that I enjoyed sleeping in a motel room, even if it was cozy, or living out of a suitcase. And I hadn’t been in Aqua Vista for even a month, but it got under my skin regardless. The people, the scenery, the stubborn man who at least agreed to stay in touch. Even though I suggested it, I still haven’t texted him except to say I made it home safely.

I did hang the framed photo above the couch, and I find myself staring at it often. That probably doesn’t help ease the longing I feel to be back in his world.

Work isn’t much better. It’s as if I’m going through the motions, which Rocco noticed yesterday during a budget meeting. “Are you still on vacation mode?”

“Why do you say that?”

“You keep drifting off.”

“I’m fine.”

“Call him. Talk to him.”

I roll my eyes. “You have your own shit to deal with. No need to lecture me.”

He hasn’t told me anything more about his quarrel with Corrine, but his mood has been sour since we returned.

Since it’s the weekend, I head to my mom’s, which is also my childhood home. Mom never moved and barely redecorated after Dad left, so stepping through the door feels like a time warp. I frown when I see her in her favorite recliner, hooked up to an oxygen tank. Minnie is sleeping in the crook of her arm. “You doing okay?”

“Yeah, fine.” She waves me off. “Just felt like I needed it today.”

“How much worse is it getting? Be honest.”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

Mom always says that, but the dark circles under her eyes tell me differently. “Maybe we should consult Dr.—”

“Already have. Have a follow-up this coming week.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

“Why, so you can nag me afterward?” she teases. It’s true that I get overly concerned, and now I feel even guiltier that I’ve been gone for a couple of weeks.

I fold my arms. “Seriously?”

“I’m only kidding.” She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “If it’ll make you feel better, then you should tag along.”

I pull out my cell. “Cool, let me put it on my calendar.”

Once I take a seat on the couch, Mom studies me. “You doing okay? You seem distracted lately.”

“Yeah, just tired.”

“Not surprising, given the traveling. At least you took some needed time off.”

“I did.” I settle against the cushions, my fingers finding a stray thread in the throw pillow. She could at least do with an upgrade, and maybe I’ll suggest some shopping at the new housewares store that just opened around the corner. I think of Aqua Vista for the hundredth time and wonder if I missed any shops that feature home decor. If not, that would be a good addition. There I go again, picturing the place—and myself in it.

“I almost forgot that I got you a gift. From Aqua Vista.” Maybe she could use something to give her a boost too.

Her eyes light up. “How nice.”

I stand and dig the small package out of my pocket. “It’s from a shop called Spellbound.”

“Sounds…ethereal.”

“Yeah, you could say that.” It’s better than saying it sounds cursed.

I watch as she opens the box and lifts the delicate bracelet with the hanging crystals.

“The woman who owns the shop—Beth—said those are healing crystals.”

“How lovely! I bet her business is an interesting place.”

“It is.” My mind wanders again. “Would you ever consider living in a small town?”

Her eyebrows knit together. “Why would I do that?”

I sigh. “Just something I’ve been thinking about lately.”

“Because of Aqua Vista?”

“Yeah.” I pull the pillow on my lap to give my hands something to do. “I went there with one idea in mind and ended up with something else.”

“I enjoyed your photos. Tell me the rest.”

I think back a couple of months to when my car almost broke down. And then how surprised Jack seemed upon my return. “I started off thinking of acquiring Jack’s business but ended up finding a friend.”

A few of them, actually.

She smiles. “Tell me about him.”

“He inherited the service station from his late parents, but he’s also a talented photographer. The town has this sleepy, coastal vibe but with a quirky side. And I saw an eagle’s nest and turtles hatching and came to appreciate its understated beauty.”

“Are you referring to the town or the man?”

I chuckle. “Both, I guess. He was a real grump when we met.”

“Can’t blame him. Especially toward someone trying to buy his business.”

“Some people want to sell and are easily convinced,” I reply defensively. “But not him.”

“Probably too much history there.”

“Exactly, and that felt nice. Not that we don’t have history in San Jose and in our own family.” I stare off into the distance. “There’s just something different about small-town life.”

“Sounds nice. Especially to be on the ocean and also closer to the mountains.”

“The fresh air was great.” I want to say more about her needing a change, but I hold back. I’m not here for the hard sell, and also…who am I trying to convince—Mom or me? “Anyway, I got to know him, which sounds crazy since I wasn’t there for very long.”

“Things can happen fast.” She huffs out a breath. “Sometimes you just feel like you know a person.”

“Like you and Dad?”

“I knew he’d be in my life. And I learned from that experience, so yes.” She lifts her chin as if in defiance, which is always the case when we discuss Dad.

“Okay, I get that…but since him?”

“I haven’t come across any handsome men running service stations if that’s what you mean,” she teases.

I chuckle. “Maybe we should plan a trip to a small town so you can find your own. With the doctor’s approval, of course. I just think the mountain air would do you good.”

“It just might. Where are you taking me?” She winks. “Are you planning on returning to Aqua Vista?”

I wave my hand. “It was only a passing thought.”

“Seems like more than a passing thought,” she says with a knowing look. “I’ll support you any way I can. I’ll even be your travel buddy. All in the name of fresh mountain air. Or is it salty sea air?”

“A mix of both. And that part is true. I’m going to ask your doc about it.” I stand to head to the kitchen. “Now, how about some lunch?”

Mom tries to help me make the sandwiches, but I tell her I’m good. Instead, she sets the table. When she removes her oxygen, I can see how breathless she becomes if she talks too much, and I wish there was something more to be done to slow the chronic condition.

Once the plates are cleared and placed in the dishwasher, I wipe my hands on a towel. “When’s the last time someone opened Dad’s workshop?”

Mom’s gaze swings to the door leading to the attached garage. “Why?”

“Remember when I would hide in there and build stuff?” The room is large enough to hold all of Dad’s tools and a generous workspace.

She nods. “I also remember your interest in high school. You loved working with your hands.”

“I did.” I step toward the door, itching to see the space that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. “Mind if I check it out?”

“Why not? Your dad left his tools behind. Maybe it was meant for you.”

He never said that, but maybe she’s right. When I push open the door, a cloud of dust kicks up, making me cough. “Better keep your distance.”

Mom backs away as I click on the light. It looks just as I remember, except for a few missing pieces and a layer of dust.

“I’m going to have a look.” I’m already moving boxes around on the floor.

“Okay, sweetie, let me know if you need anything.”

Once she retreats inside, I stay there for a couple of hours, dusting things off and then looking at all the unfinished projects. One I recognize from my first flip—window boxes for flowers. I can picture them framing the front of a quaint little cottage. A sharp pang stabs my gut, and I have a hard time catching my breath. Is this what I wanted all along, or is it because a gas station owner showed me eagles and beautiful foothills across from an ocean view?

When I finally click off the light and close the door, I’m a mess of dust and wood clippings, but I feel more fulfilled than I have in years.

It’s not a good idea to enter Mom’s house like this, so I call to her to let her know I’m leaving.

“You find what you were looking for?” Mom asks from behind the screen door.

“I think so. I might be back next weekend if that’s all right.”

“You’re always welcome.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She waits a beat, then says, “Take the time to figure out what you want.”

“That’s the plan,” I lob over my shoulder.

I smile all the way to my apartment. Why hadn’t I done that years ago? I’m not sure Rocco would get it, but maybe he would, given his love of cars. We always said the business was a means to help us do the things we love. But somehow, that got away from me. I got caught up in sales and deals and paperwork and didn’t realize how much time had passed. I vow right then and there to create some balance.