Chapter 8 - NATHAN LEARNED WHY HIS MOTHER TOOK THE JOB

Nathan had one question for Eleanor.

“Why were you working that morning?”

“I told you. Caroline asked.”

“No.”

He sat across from her kitchen table.

“Why did you say yes?”

Eleanor smiled.

“Free flowers.”

“Mom.”

She sighed.

Then told him.

Years earlier, before Nathan was born, Eleanor worked banquet halls.

Not for extra money.

Because Nathan’s father disappeared during her pregnancy.

Rent.

Medical bills.

Food.

She worked until eight months pregnant.

At one wedding, a bride’s mother accused her of stealing a bracelet.

Security searched her bag.

Nothing.

The bracelet later appeared beneath a chair.

Nobody apologized.

Eleanor remembered standing in a service hallway crying because she could not afford to quit.

Nathan stared.

“You never told me.”

“It wasn't useful.”

“Then why work Caroline’s wedding?”

“Because I wanted to see how she treated people when she didn't know I mattered.”

Nathan’s face changed.

There.

The test had been intentional.

Not the accident.

The work.

Eleanor had asked Caroline if she could help partly because she wanted to know the woman marrying her son.

Nathan stood.

“Mom.”

“I know.”

“You tested her.”

“Yes.”

“That's manipulative.”

“Yes.”

He was surprised she admitted it.

Eleanor continued.

“I shouldn't have.”

“Why didn't you just tell me you had concerns?”

“Because you were in love.”

“So?”

“So mothers become idiots too.”

Nathan rubbed his face.

“She failed a test she didn't know existed.”

“She also slapped someone.”

“I know.”

“I didn't make her do that.”

“No.”

“But you're right.”

Eleanor looked ashamed.

“I wanted information without risking an honest conversation.”

Nathan sat again.

The story became more complicated.

That did not absolve Caroline.

But it gave Eleanor something to own too.

“I’m sorry,” Eleanor said.

“To me?”

“Yes.”

“I could have trusted you.”

Nathan nodded.

“Thank you.”

Then:

“Would you ever speak to Caroline?”

Eleanor thought.

“Eventually.”

“Why?”

“Because I don't want the worst thing somebody did to me to become my full-time job.”

That was Eleanor.

Six months after the wedding, she agreed.

Neutral location.

A garden at Magnolia Crest.

Caroline arrived alone.

No photographer.

No parents.

No Nathan.

Eleanor was trimming roses.

Caroline stopped several feet away.

“Mrs. Cole.”

“Eleanor.”

Caroline swallowed.

“Eleanor.”

They sat.

Caroline began:

“I knew who you were.”

Eleanor nodded.

“I thought so.”

“I want to say that first because I lied afterward.”

“Good.”

“I am sorry I slapped you.”

Silence.

“I’m sorry I treated you like someone I was allowed to humiliate.”

Eleanor watched.

“I’m sorry I only understood the full ugliness once Nathan walked in.”

That was the hardest admission.

Caroline cried.

“You should not have needed to be his mother for me to regret it.”

Eleanor nodded.

“No.”

“I don't expect forgiveness.”

“Good.”

Caroline almost smiled through tears.

Eleanor continued:

“Because I haven't decided.”

“Okay.”

Then Eleanor apologized too.

Caroline looked stunned.

“I tested you.”

“What?”

Eleanor explained.

Caroline stared.

“You worked there to see how I treated staff?”

“In part.”

“That’s…”

“Manipulative.”

“Yes.”

Caroline laughed once.

“I still failed spectacularly.”

“Yes.”

They both smiled slightly.

Not friends.

Not family.

But two adults telling truth.

When Caroline left, Eleanor called Nathan.

“She apologized.”

“How was it?”

“Painful.”

“Do you forgive her?”

“Ask me in a year.”

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Fair.

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