Susan and Jimmy arrived at the hotel later than they expected. She texted David and told him they were exhausted and going straight to their room for the night. Though she could barely fall into bed, it took her a while to wind down. The anticipation of the day ahead and Jimmy’s deep breathing made sleep more difficult.

She kept going over what Melissa’s home would be like, how her husband would react to David, and David’s text about his biological sister. That news had made her gasp as Jimmy drove. There were so many dynamics going on that would culminate in that one moment when they would meet again. And secretly, though she never wanted to communicate it, Susan wondered if the relationship between her and David might change.

Susan awoke to the smell of coffee and fresh oatmeal. Jimmy had brought it from the breakfast bar in the lobby.

“Thought you could use a few more minutes of rest before we get going,” he said.

“You were out like a light last night.”

“I thought you would be too.”

“I wanted to. There’s just so much going on inside.”

She ate and dressed and Jimmy pulled the car to the front of the hotel while she went to David’s room.

Nate answered and gave her a big smile. “Hey, what’s up, Mrs. C.?”

“Is David ready?”

Nate glanced toward the bathroom. “He’s still powdering his nose.”

“No, I’m not,” David yelled. He came to the door and smiled. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hey,” she said, noticing his new shirt. “Oh, that’s nice. I like that.” She stepped back, still in the hallway, more questions running through her mind. “So did you ever hear from Brian or Azure?”

“Nope. And at this point I’m not really expecting to.”

“Did you have enough breakfast this morning?”

“Yeah, I’m good. You know, I’m a little nervous, but I’m okay.”

The conversation felt stiff to her and she wanted to relieve some of David’s stress with her words or her presence, but as they looked at each other, she realized how nervous she was.

“You all right?” David said.

“Oh yeah. I’m good. I’m real good.” She paused and the silence felt awkward. Finally she said, “So Dad’s down in the lobby and I’m going to go meet him and you just come down in like ten minutes?”

“Perfect,” David said.

Deep breath. She walked toward the elevator but David called for her. He stepped into the hallway as she turned.

“Look, I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you.”

Susan’s heart melted and all the stress and anxiety seemed to float away as David drew closer.

“You are and always will be my mom.”

She put a hand on his shoulder. “David, thank you. I think I really needed to hear that today.”