Her mother sighed. “Oh, Heather. Sometimes I wish you could see what was right in front of you.”
She looked at her mother quizzically. “What does that mean?”
“It means you spent so many years married to a man who didn’t appreciate you that you don’t think you deserve any kind of help or happiness. You think you’re supposed to do it all by yourself with no help. Your father and I had to beg you to let us help with Finn.”
“You sound like Simon.” Heather narrowed her eyes. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were plotting with him.”
“I’m not.” Her mother paused. “I support whatever decision you make, but I know that man brings out something in you that I haven’t seen since you were a kid.”
“What’s that?”
“Happiness.”
“I am happy,” Heather insisted. “As long as I have Finn.”
“What Simon brings out in you is a different kind of happiness. It’s like this pure joy that radiates off you,” her mother said. “You’re excited about life. You’re scared of going on this trip, but I’ve seen you do all that research later at night. Work excites you. When you talk about Simon, there’s a smile on your face. Every time you talk about Gary you look like you’re sucking on a lemon.”
Heather laughed. “Okay, Mom. I get it. You’re Team Simon.”
“You’re darn right I am. Every time you talk about Simon you get a dreamy look on your face.”
“So, you’re not ashamed of me? Of the affair? The scandal hanging over me?”
Her mother’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “No. Never. I could never be ashamed of you. Heather, you are the thing in my life I am most proud of. I can’t believe I raised such a wonderful daughter. You’re the bravest, kindest person I know. This relationship with Simon might be full of drama, but you followed your heart. And that’s what every parent wants for their child.”
Tears stung the back of her eyes and she cleared her throat. “Thanks, Mom.”
Her mother must have seen the tears about to fall because she pulled her close and held her tight. “I know things aren’t easy, sweetie, but I’m here. Your father and I will support you through anything. And we are never going to let that jackass of an ex-husband take that boy away from you.”
She laughed through her tears and held on to her mother. “You’re the best, Mom.”
“Thank you, sweetie.” Her mother kissed the top of her head. “And if things get too difficult on your trip, you can always call me.”
Her heart felt lighter than it had in days. Knowing that she had her mother in her corner made hope grow in her heart. She had ended things with Simon, but that didn’t mean her life had ended. Her career still meant so much to her, and this was the perfect opportunity to prove herself. All she had to do was keep her hands off of Simon and focus on the work. With any luck, this trip would go well after all.
HE’D BEEN SUMMONED by the board. Again.
As he sauntered into the conference room, Simon scowled at the board members who had already taken their seats. It was always difficult to corral them when he had something important to discuss, but whenever they wanted him they all managed to gather on short notice.
Most of the senior staff was seated at the conference table, including Everett Eastman and Linda.
Everett returned Simon’s scowl, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Glad you could join us, Simon.”
“What’s this about?” Simon walked over to the table.
“We have much to discuss,” Everett said darkly. “Including this little trip you’re embarking on tomorrow.”
“You make it sound like something nefarious,” Simon said. “Last week, I informed the board. I made the whats and the whys clear.”
“Yes, but you’re taking that woman with you,” Everett said, his voice dripping with disdain.
“That woman has a name,” Simon snarled. “It’s Heather or Ms. Hall to you. See that you remember it.”
Everett frowned, the hard expression on his face giving way to discomfort. “Ms. Hall is going to be your companion on that trip.”