Chapter 75: Chapter 75

Ari followed her mother into the hospital cafeteria and stood in line. “Mom, if you tell me what you’d like, I’ll get it and you can get us a table.”

Her mother shook her head. “No.” She shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. “I’d rather stand, if you don’t mind.” Then she lifted an eyebrow. “Why? Trying to get rid of me?”

Ari laughed. “Already thinking I have ulterior motives, Mom?”

“Well....” Celeste weaved back and forth, raising her shoulders. “Old habits die hard.”

Ari shoved her hands into her pockets. “Mom, I’m happy to be here. Henley wanted me to wait until after New Year’s, but I really missed you.” Besides, Ari could tell that their mother was driving her sister crazy, but she didn’t tell her mother that. Although she loved her, she didn’t need to fuel the fire that was always their mother.

Celeste smiled. “I’m glad you came.” She let out a deep breath. “It’s been hard going through this alone.”

Ari raised an eyebrow. “You mean, with Henley, right?”