“They’re great.” I think that should be my answer. I have my pick of colleges with a new chapter in my life. Great doesn’t sound right, but I don’t know what else to say.

“Your father remarried.” Oh no. Here we go. I hope this is not what this is about.

“Yes, to a woman named Grace. They’re good together. He’s happy.” Her lips purse, but she hides it quickly. I don’t understand her. I didn’t think she wanted to be with my father, so why would she care? “How about you? Are you happy? Is there a special someone in your life?”

“There is a special someone. To be honest with you, Emily, I’ve been working on myself and well, that special someone is you. I want us to try to get close again.” I open and then close my mouth. I’m not sure how to respond. I pick up the tea to stall my response. “I know you have your pick of colleges, but have you thought about Université PSL?”

“In Paris?” No, I hadn’t thought of that one. A few girls from Bradford are going there. I’d filled out an application the same as I did for a ton of colleges and gotten into them all. That Score name can do just about anything.

“I thought it might be a good place for us to start over.”

“I really don’t know what to say to all of this.” I thought we would take this whole getting reacquainted with one another thing slowly but obviously that’s not her train of thought.

“How about you think about it but keep it between us for now. Your brother can be—”

“Your son, Mom,” I correct her. She gives a stiff nod.

“I know he’s my son. I miss him too, but I think we still need some time.”

“I’ll think about it,” I give. Paris doesn’t sound terrible, but I wouldn’t be picking it because of my mom fully. It would be a fresh start. To get out of the social scene that can dominate here in the States. Especially if Chase is going to be getting married. I really don’t want to be around for any of that.

“We could do a quick trip. A girls’ weekend. Give it a test run.” Mom is all smiles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile this much in my life, but it’s been a long time since I saw her. I know I need to be careful with her, but I can’t help but to begin to soften a bit. If she really wants to try to repair our relationship, I should at least be open to the idea.

“All right,” I agree. A longer weekend away might be nice. It will give me a chance to clear my head.