A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

“I have guilt,” Pam admitted, picking her up for maybe the fourteenth time in as many minutes. “Does that make you feel better?”

Lulu swiped her chin with a kiss, then snuggled close and sighed.

“I’m glad we’re back together, too.”

When she was done unpacking, she checked her email. A lot had piled up while she’d been gone. Although she’d had access to the internet on the ship, she hadn’t logged on after being hit by an email from Zoe. It had come in shortly after the cruise ship left Berlin and had kept Pam awake for more than a few nights. She’d been forced to consider what Steven’s girlfriend and someone she’d once called a friend had said.

She cleared out the junk, then went through what was left. She had a couple of e-bills and a note from Filia, wanting to set up an appointment as soon as Pam was able. Pam sent her back several dates, and then looked at Lulu.

“No one has texted me,” she told the dog.

Lulu watched her anxiously.

“It’s fine. I get that everyone is busy. I’m not the center of the universe. But still...”

Usually she heard from at least one of her children, welcoming her home. And there hadn’t been any more messages from Miguel. Not after their brief exchange in Berlin.

Was it up to her? Should she be the one to get in touch with them? Should she—

Her phone chirped. She picked it up and saw a text from Brandon. He asked about her trip and mentioned he wanted to come visit her later that fall. At least one of her children cared.

She answered him, then made a list of what she was going to need at the grocery store. Not that she could go this afternoon. Lulu would freak out at being left alone and taking her into the grocery store would cause problems. People were very fussy about having dogs where they bought food. A reality Pam found annoying. Had they seen how dirty some children were?

“Speaking of dirty,” she said as she picked up her dog. “Let’s get you a bath, little girl. Then we’ll get snuggly in our pajamas and have an early night. Tomorrow we’ll run errands and maybe go see Jen.”

Lulu wagged her tail in agreement.

In the morning Pam texted her daughter and asked if she could come by.

You’re already back! Welcome home. For some reason I thought you weren’t getting in until this afternoon. Yes, please, come by. I could use the company.

Pam picked up Lulu and headed for the door. “I’m guessing we have yet another crisis to deal with.”

She collected the presents she’d bought, then they drove over to Jen’s. Pam carried her tote bag and Lulu up to the front door. Jen opened it before she got there and hugged her.

“How are you?” her daughter asked. “How was your trip? I have to say, of all the cruises you’ve been on, that’s the one I envy most. All those great places. Maybe someday.”

“We had a terrific time.” Pam set Lulu down. “I gave her a bath yesterday.”

“On your first day back? You didn’t have to do that on my account.” Jen crouched down and patted Lulu. “How are you this morning, young lady? I’m sorry Jack isn’t here to play with.”

It was only then that Pam realized Jen wasn’t holding her son. And her leaving him alone in a room was out of the question. “What? Where is he?”

“Day care. He goes three mornings a week.”

Pam felt her mouth drop open. “When did this happen? I’ve only been gone three weeks.”

“I know. Come on. I’ll make you some coffee.”

They went into the kitchen. Pam looked around and was surprised to find the counters weren’t as perfectly cleaned as usual and there was actually a stack of books on the coffee table in the family room.

While the coffee brewed, Jen pulled a handful of cookies out of a plastic container and set them on a plate. The two of them sat at the table, while Lulu settled on the cushion of a third chair. Pam spent a few minutes talking about her trip.

“I’m putting together a digital photo album that I’ll send you in a day or so,” Pam said. “I also have a few things for you and Kirk, and of course, Jack.”

She got her tote bag and pulled out a large bottle of vodka. “I know, I know. Not a surprise, but we tasted a lot and this is very good. I got you these.”

She set the Matryoshka on the table. The traditional Russian nesting dolls were hand painted with a beautiful floral design.

“Oh, Mom, they’re amazing.” Jen unpacked the dolls and studied them. “I love them. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. This is for Jack. I bought it in Stockholm. It’s all organic. The wood is organic, the varnish is food grade.”

She set the small, hand-carved car on the table. It was a simple curved design, with bright green wheels.

“He’s going to have fun with this for sure,” Jen said, coming around the table and hugging her. “Thanks for thinking of us.” Jen returned to her seat.

Pam studied her daughter. “What’s going on? You’re different.”

“Am I?” Jen laughed. “Let’s see. I honestly have no idea where to begin.” She picked up her coffee. “Lucas has moved out and he’s back at work. Half days for now, but he’ll be full-time soon enough.”

“I’m sure you appreciate having your house back.”

“Mostly. It turns out he’s pretty easy to be around. Who knew? What else? Well, I told you Jack’s in day care.”

“A surprise.” Pam would have bet there wasn’t a single day care center in the state that would meet Jen’s incredibly high standards. “Are they local?”

“Yes, in the older part of Mischief Bay. It’s pretty wonderful and he’s enjoying himself.” She moved her cup around on the table. “I’ve been seeing someone. Not a therapist, exactly. More of a nutritional expert who does some counseling. I’m taking some supplements and a mild antianxiety drug. It’s helping. I’ve been looking at my life and I’ve realized I have to change.”

She drew in a breath. “Jack can talk.”