Page 120 of Her Rival

"Yes."

"I would like to see you."

"Oh."

"I'm saying yes. Now. I'm not taking a day. I'm saying yes. Will you come."

"I will come."

"You can stay in the apartment of my best friend's parents. She has an extra room. She's been wanting to meet you. I would like her to meet you. I'm giving you the option of a hotel if you prefer one. I would also like to be the one who picks you up at the airport."

"Okay."

"Mom."

"Yes."

"Are you sober."

"For four months."

"For four months."

"It's the second time. I've been sober before. This time is different. I'm asking you to come look at the difference and decide for yourself whether you believe me. I will not be hurt if you decide you do not believe me. I'm asking for the looking, not the belief."

"Okay."

"Honey."

"Yeah."

"Tell Jettson I said thank you. For the lawyer. For the protection. I don't know what I'm thanking him for in full because I don't know who he is in full, but I would like, eventually, to know who he is in full, and in the meantime I'm thanking him for what I've been given to thank him for."

I looked at Jett. I held the phone away from my mouth for a second.

"My mom says thank you," I whispered.

He nodded.

I brought the phone back.

"He says he hears you, Mom."

"Tell him I would like to know him."

"He hears that too."

"Dani."

"Yes."

"I love you."

"I love you, Mom."

I had not, in eight years, told my mother I loved her on a phone call.

I had not, in twelve years, told her in any other context either.