“Rex, when is Talon due back?” She asks. Her voice gravelly from what I assume to be too many years of smoking.

“Lucy, I can’t tell you that.” Rex says stiffening beside me.

“Then I’ll just sit on the front porch of your house until he returns.” Moving in closer to Rex and me as she speaks, I’m at a loss as to what to say or do. Tripp didn’t tell me his mom was in town.

“Lucy now’s not a good time. I’ll talk to Tripp for you, but honestly, you need to give him space.” Rex says, as he’s guiding her by the elbow to the door.

“No, I’m not leaving Drexel Devon Crews and you can’t make me. Talon needs to talk to me. If I can fix this with him, then I can fix me, Rex. Y’all don’t understand. I have to fix things with my son before I can fix myself.” She pleads, now crying.

My heart breaking for her and for the man I love. His mom is a mess. The years of drinking and obvious guilt have made their marks.

“Give it time. Tripp will open up. You being around and wanting this is still fresh.” I find myself saying before I realize it.

Shit! I’ve stuck my nose in something I shouldn’t have once again. The look on Rex’s face lets me know I crossed an unspoken boundary and Tripp will not like this.

“You Talon’s woman?” She turns around to face me coming back toward me and away from the door.

“Doll, don’t go there. This is between the two of them.” Rex warns, reaching out to turn Lucy around to the door again.

Jerking out of his grasp, she faces me once again. “You tell my son, I love him. I’m sorry. I want to fix this. I’m sorry. Tell him that please. I’m sorry. I can’t say it enough.” Her words feel like they are more than drunken ramblings. They feel heartfelt and real.

Unable to control the tears now freely falling from my face, I can only nod my head in agreement. I hear Rex muttering cuss words under his breath as Lucy finally leaves. If only I could have a second chance to be with my mom. She’s gone. I can’t forgive anything even if she was to mess. Surely, Tripp can see that nothing can be that unforgivable. She’s making the effort to be here that should count for something. He’s got to talk to her.

Parking the truck in the back lot, I enter the office. Rex let me know earlier that Doll arrived safely. Walking in my office, I’m ready to sign off on this transport and get the hell home.

“Rex, you got everything covered for tomorrow?” I ask, signing the paperwork on my desk.

“Yeah man. Tripp, you need to know. Lucy was here today.” Suddenly, carefree Rex is serious.

“What’s she got to do with anything?”