Straddling the Line(60)
“Yes, ma’am. Thanks for letting me bunk here.”
“It’s no problem. There’s no reason for you to stay at a hotel when we have plenty of room here. Isn’t that right, Haven?”
Haven cast a quick glance at Trevor, who slid her a half smile.
“Right, Mom.”
“I hope you’re both hungry, because supper is ready.”
“I’m starving,” Trevor said.
“He’s been anticipating your cooking the entire trip over here.”
Her mom beamed a wide smile. “I’m glad to hear that. Haven, why don’t you set the table, and Trevor, you can bring the pot of stew over. I’ll get the bread out of the oven.”
They dug in, and Trevor filled her mom in on baseball.
“I’m sure sorry to hear about the end of your season, Trevor. I know how hard you all worked. I watched all the games, and you gave it your best shot. There’s nothin’ more you could have done.”
“I know, but it sure feels sh—It sure feels bad to have lost it right there at the end.”
“I know it does, honey. And I also know how competitive you are. If Bill were here, he would have been just as disappointed as you are. But he would have been proud of you.”
Trevor gave her a gentle smile. “Thank you, Miss Ginger. I appreciate you saying that.”
“So now you’re off to play football with Tampa?”
“Yes, ma’am. Looking forward to it, too.”
“I just don’t know how you change gears like that. From baseball to football in an instant.”
“It’s pretty easy. I’ve been following the team. They’re doing good. They’ll do even better once I’m there.”
Haven rolled her eyes. Her mother laughed.
“I’ve always liked your confidence, Trevor. That’s why you’re so good at what you do.”
“And what about you, Miss Ginger? What are you up to these days?”
“Oh, a lot, actually. Since Bill passed away, I’m no longer a dorm parent.”
Haven’s head shot up. “What? Why not?”
“They need a man and a woman for the position, and without your dad, I could no longer meet the requirements.”
Trevor frowned. “So . . . what? They just fired you?”
“Now calm down. They did not just fire me. I’ve been working part time in admissions, but I’ve gone back to school to get my teaching credential. I used to teach a long time ago. Maybe you don’t remember that, Haven.”
Haven’s stomach had knotted up with worry. “I remember you telling me that before you and Dad started as dorm parents, you taught high school.”
“I did. High school English. It’s been a while so I need to brush up, but I’ve decided I want to teach again.”
“Good for you, Miss Ginger,” Trevor said. “I think you’d make an excellent teacher. Kids really flock to you, and you have a great understanding of their emotions.”
“Thank you, Trevor. I’m excited. For the first time since Bill died, something has lit a fire under me.”
Haven had no idea about any of this. She felt so out of touch with her mom and what had been going on. She reached across the table and squeezed her mother’s hand. “You’re sure this is what you want to do?”
“Yes. I’ve also renewed my gym membership. I go almost every day with Wanda Dixon and Cathlyn Simms. We started out on the cardio equipment and took up weights. We also take a Zumba class. Now that is fun.”
Haven blinked. Her mom at the gym? It was like she didn’t even know her anymore. No wonder she looked so different. Her cheeks were rosy and she was smiling a lot.
“That’s awesome, Miss Ginger. Exercise is great for you. You must feel really good.”
Her mom nodded at Trevor. “I feel amazing. I’ve lost fifteen pounds, and I’ve been sleeping better than I have in years.”
“That’s just . . . great.” Haven wanted to be happy for her mom. She really did. But something didn’t feel right.
“And then there’s this book club I joined as well. We meet once a week on Thursday nights. I’m reading a lot again. It’s so refreshing. So eye-opening.”
Haven leaned back in her chair, unable to fight the tears.
Her mom frowned. “Haven, what’s wrong?”
“Wow. It’s a good thing Dad died, so you could have this whole new life, isn’t it, Mom?”
“Haven. Honey, it’s not like that at all.”
“Isn’t it? Your life improved after he died, didn’t it? Look at all the fun you’re having now.” She pushed back from the table. “Excuse me. I need some air.”