Serendipity Read Free Page B

go with you. My life is here. I know I said that there is a possibility that I would go with you but if the apartment is going to be paid for, that will leave me with room to save up my tips for a place when the lease is up. I know we do everything together, but this is your chance. This is your opportunity to spread your wings and fly. I’ve done my job raising you. This is your time to shine and I think you’re going to be the brightest star in the sky.”
    She takes both my hands in hers and gives a light squeeze. “I couldn’t be more proud of the woman you’ve become. I’ll help you in any way I can.” Her eyes glaze over and she looks like she’s about to cry. Patting my arms, she looks up at the clock. “I have to get going if I’m going to make it to work in time for my shift. We’ll talk some more when I get home if you’re still awake, okay?” she says in a calming tone.
    I nod and give her a reassuring smile. She hugs me quickly and then gathers her thing and turns to leave. She pauses with her hand on the knob. “Have a good night and lock up when I leave. I love you, Phoebe.”
    I smile because I let her have that one and she knows it. “I love you, too.”
    I kick off my heels and pull my feet up underneath me. In a skirt it’s much harder than it looks but I don’t care. I stay that way for what seems like an eternity, wallowing in my self-pity.
    There is no way I’m going for a run tonight. Instead, I take a scalding hot shower and throw on some sweats and a tank top. I stretch out along the couch and do something that I haven’t done in…possibly ever. Relax.
    I reach into the freezer and grab a carton of ice cream, and a large spoon from the drawer. I sit back down and watch movie after movie on the Lifetime Network, crying harder at each one. Lost loves reuniting, people coming together to save a town, coming of age stories. Each one having their own tale and each one making my heart smile.
    I stifle a yawn when I glance at the clock and notice it’s nearly one in the morning. I try to wait up for my mom but I know I won’t make it. I put the container of melted ice cream in the sink and quickly brush my teeth, before settling in for the night.

    The next morning, I’m lured from my sleep by the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. I open the door and hear my mom humming in the kitchen. When I walk in I half expected her to greet me with a smile but what I didn’t expect is for her not to be alone.
    I freeze in my tracks, paralyzed by the scene playing out in front of me. My mom is in her robe flipping pancakes, and a man leaning up against the counter in just a pair of pajama pants sipping on his coffee, watching her.
    Am I in the fucking Twilight Zone?
    My mom turns around when the guy clears his throat, and a bright smile spreads across her face.
    “Morning. Phoebe, this is Ben. Ben, this is my daughter, Phoebe.” She points the spatula between me and Ben before turning back to the pancakes.
    I sit at the table, grab the paper and start to skim the articles—anything to divert my attention. Unfortunately, my diversion tactic doesn’t last long when Ben pulls out the chair next to me and takes a seat. I scoot my chair over as if more distance between us will help with the awkwardness of the situation. My mom has never kept anything from me—we tell each other everything . But right now I feel like I don’t even know the woman sitting across from me.
    “So, Mom…”
    She sets down a plate of pancakes and bacon in the middle of the table and looks nervously between me and Ben.
    Ben wastes no time in digging in, placing four large pancakes and strips of bacon on to his plate.
    She places her elbows on the table and leans in. The table is the perfect amount of space for me and my mom, but adding a third person makes it cramped.
    “Phoebe, I know what you’re thinking.” She sighs and rests her elbows on the table, leaning in.
    Nope. No way in hell she knows what I’m