She considers this for a moment."Medium day.Better now that you're here."
I squeeze her hand and go to the kitchen to plate our food.Mom's apartment is small but cozy, filled with plants and colorful artwork, most of it salvaged from thrift stores and yard sales over the years.We never had much money growing up, but Mom always made our space feel like home.
"How's work going?"She asks as I return with our food and settle beside her on the couch.
"Busy.Grace came in for highlights today.She asked about you."
Mom smiles."Tell her I'm hanging in there."She takes a few sips of her soup, then sets it aside, already tired from the effort.
"How was your day?"I ask, digging into my food.
She sighs, "Same as always.Treatments are exhausting, but the doctors are hopeful.The new meds seem to be working."
Relief washes over me, and I nod."That's good.I worry about you, you know."
She gives me a pointed look."And I worry about you.You're burning the candle at both ends, Skye.School, work, and whatever else you're up to.It's a lot."
I shrug, stirring my soup with my spoon."I like staying busy."
She takes a sip of her water, watching me closely."You've always been like that.Even as a kid, always pushing yourself.But I don't want you to burn out."
Exhaling, I set my spoon down."I know, Mom.I'm trying to find a balance."
A text comes in, and I check my phone.
Gage:What are you wearing?
I bite my lips, quickly typing back.
Me:Seriously?I'm at my mom's.
Gage:So?Doesn't mean I can't make you squirm.
I shake my head, trying to fight the heat creeping up my neck as I set the phone down.
When I look back up at my mom, her gaze softens."And does this new person in your life help with that balance?"
I freeze mid-bite, then groan."Mom."
She smirks."Come on.I'm your mother.I know when you're seeing someone.Is he handsome?"
I roll my eyes but smile."Yes, Mom.Very."
"Good.You deserve someone who makes your heart race."She reaches over to pat my hand."Is it serious?"
"No," I say automatically, then hesitate."I don't know.It's complicated."
She studies my face for a moment."Because of me?Because of all this?"She gestures vaguely at herself, at the medication bottles lining the kitchen counter, at the hospital bed folded up in the corner for the days when she can't make it to the bedroom.
"No," I say firmly, though it's not entirely true.Mom's illness has made me even more reluctant to get involved with anyone.I can't imagine adding another emotional complication to my life right now."It's just...I have goals, you know?School, the spa plan.I don't have time for serious."
Mom gives me a look I know well, the one that says she sees right through me."There's always time for the right person, Skye.Don't use your ambitions as an excuse to keep people at arm's length."
I take a bite of a spring roll and text Gage back to avoid answering her.
Me:You're impossible.What are you doing?
Mom's always been able to read me too well.