Lennox should be here soon. Why am I so nervous? It's not the first time she's eaten dinner with us, but that was before we were ... something. Uncle Rob and Monica kept asking when they'd see her again. They know we're kind of — sort of — dating? I almost chickened out but held my ground. The initial shock of her saying yes hasn't quite worn off yet.

I log out of my game just as Skype starts ringing. Mom's picture pops up. We haven't talked on the phone much but have been texting every day. I need to come up with a way to ask her to come to the wedding. I've been avoiding that conversation by telling her I've been busy at work. Hearing her say no will break me, I just know it.

"Hey Mom," I say.

It takes the computer at home a few minutes to load her face. At first, she's a little grainy, but eventually it clears up. She's so close to the screen, she looks like a blob. I chuckle at her attempt to fix the camera.

"Oh, I can see you now," she says, backing away a bit.

Mom is a bit tanner than she was when I left. That's a good sign. It means that aside from work she's getting out more. She looks to be in a better mood than she was the day I left. Her dark brown hair is pulled back, and she's actually wearing some makeup.

"Hey, is the computer working okay?" I ask.

"It takes years to start up." Her laughter fills the room, and I can't help smiling.

The computer on her end glitches a bit, and she sounds a little tinny.

"When I get back, I promise I'll fix the ancient thing. I've made some extra cash this summer, maybe I can build a new one."

"I'm sure it will be okay. It runs fine for now. I'd rather you spend it on something for yourself or maybe for college."

I haven't told Mom my thoughts about wanting to go to a college here in New York. I still have a lot of research to do and until then I'll keep it to myself.

"I was just calling because I missed your face," she says.

My cheeks burn at her comment. I miss her too.

"What are you up to? I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

She leans forward in her seat, her eyes darting around as if she were here checking my room for any signs of trouble making. Not like I ever got into trouble. She's just being a mom.

"Lennox is coming over."

"Oh, that's the girl you've been texting me about."

She wiggles her brows.

"Mom," I laugh.

"Are you two together?"

Are we? I'm not sure what we are. I do know that whatever we have is nice. I'm a little nervous about what's to come at the end of summer, but if things progress then maybe she and I can make it work. I'm still in shock by the whole thing, and I need time to process what is happening between us.

"We're something."

She claps her hands together. "Oh, sweetie that sounds amazing. I'm so happy for you, I hope I can meet her one day."

A soft knock rattles my door. Lennox is here. I glance between the door and Mom contemplating my next move. I've never really introduced Mom to a girl before.

"Do uh — do you want to meet her?"

Mom gasps. "She's there? I'd love to."

Before I can get up, the door opens, and Lennox's head peeks around the frame.

"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" she asks.

I wave her in. "No not at all, I was talking to my mom on Skype."

She steps into the room, hesitating at first.

"Hi Lennox, dear," Mom says.

Crossing the room, I take Lennox's hand in mine and bring her over to the computer. I sit first then pat the spot beside me. Her warm body squeezes into the chair. We just fit. She reaches over and takes my hand. I give it a gentle squeeze before turning my attention back to Mom.

"Hi Mrs.—"

"Oh, don't be silly, call me Stacy, hon," she says.

Lennox glances at me, she seems a little nervous but smiles.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too, darling. Max has told me so much about you. You are even more beautiful than I pictured."

Mom's eyes light up. I haven't seen her smile this wide in so long. My heart does a crazy somersault.

"So, Max says you're an actress."

My cheeks can't get any redder. Now she knows I've been talking to Mom about her. It's hard not to look at her reaction. I can't help myself. Lennox and mom laugh at something. I've lost track of what they are saying, but the sound is nice. There have only been a handful of times since my sister passed that I've seen Mom be so animated in a conversation. Lennox is bringing it out of her. Mom's laughter fills the small space and brings unwanted moisture to my eyes.

"I do love your hair though," mom says.

"Thank you. I felt like I needed a change. A fresh start, I guess."

Mom nods. "I get that. In fact, I just got my nails done a few weeks ago for the first time in years. It felt amazing."

"Right? Did you get a pedicure because those —"

"Feel like heaven." Mom finishes Lennox's sentence.

They laugh again.

"Oh, Max," mom says. "I forgot to tell you that Rob said he would set up a laptop during the wedding ceremony so that I can watch it."

Mom's smile fades a bit, like she's upset that she's not coming. I tighten my grip on Lennox's hands to attempt to relax myself.

"Oh, that's great." I finally say. "Um... Lennox and I have to get ready for dinner, so um... maybe we can talk later?" I ask.

Mom's smile fades. I feel bad. When she had said Rob's name, I thought just maybe she was able to come out here. We don't have a lot of money right now, and even though he offered I know Rob is tight on money too from the wedding and preparing for the baby. I just wish there was some way to get her here. I know on top of the money issue she's terrified, but I think it would be good for her. Lennox nudges me to break me out of another trance.

"Okay, yeah. Lennox, it was a pleasure. I really hope one day I can meet you in person," she says with a smile. "Max says you used to live out here. Will you be returning to California anytime soon?"

Lennox tenses next to me. I know California brings back both fond and bad memories. I run my thumb over the back of her hand. Her body loosens, and she smiles back at Mom.

"Possibly during one of my school breaks. I could always pop in then. That is if Max wants me to."

She wiggles in the chair, bumping into me. My grin is so wide it stings my cheeks.

"That would be great. Well, I should let you get down to dinner. You two have a good time. Max honey, I'll talk to you later," she says.

Lennox rests her head on my shoulder.

"You know what's crazy? It's been a while since I've seen a smile like that on Mom's face. She's been through so much, and to see her smile like that... it feels good." My voice breaks a little.

She smiles at me and presses her forehead against mine. I let out a long breath.

"Did you mean what you said?" I ask.

"About what?"

"About coming to California?"

She nods. "I was thinking about it. I promised Rachael I'd try to make it during one of my school breaks. If you'll have me, I could make some time to stop by and see you," she says, tilting her head up slightly to see me.

"I'd like that a lot." I place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

I like that we're talking about making plans for later this year. It gives me hope that whatever Lennox and I have could be long term. I'm young, but I know how I feel about her, and I don't want to lose that.

"I don't deserve your amazingness," she chuckles.

"Amazingness, is that even a word Lennox?" I laugh.

She tucks her finger under my jaw and pulls me towards her. "I like kissing you."

I smirk as her finger traces my lips.

"So then, what are you waiting for?"

The moment my lips meet hers, I'm lost in her again. She adjusts to get a better angle. Every kiss with her gets better and better. If she tries to get closer, she'll be sitting in my lap. I don't think I'd mind if she did to be honest.

"Max?"

Her voice is small.

"I don't mean to pry, but why isn't your mom coming for the wedding?" she asks.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I answer. She pulls away to give me some room.

"We can't afford the ticket. But mostly, I think she's still living in her fear bubble and it's hard for her to break that and go out of her comfort zone," I say.

"I'm sorry to hear, I wish I could help."

"I wish I had enough to bring her here. I want her to meet Dan and Maya and see the island. I think her coming here would change a lot of things. Maybe even make her happy again." I shrug.

"You're a good son Max. I know it's been a long time since everything happened, but maybe she just needs a little more. You said she's doing well and going to work, so that's a step in the right direction," she says.

"I know."

A hard knock interrupts us and Lennox nearly falls on the floor. She grabs her stomach in a fit of giggles. Uncle Rob sticks his head in and furrows a brow at the two of us. Lennox adjusts in the chair, giving Rob a sweet smile.

"Max. Door."

His lip twitches, like he wants to smile. He had his fair share of girlfriends in high school. He gets it, but when I'm here I understand him having to be the adult.

"Sorry, that was my fault."

Lennox stands. She's shaky on her feet at first but manages to right herself.

"Monica wanted me to come up and tell you dinner's ready," he says.

A strong scent of her famous sweet potato turkey chili wafts through the air. Lennox is sniffing around too.

"Smells delicious, what is it?" she asks.

"Only the best chili in town," Rob stands straight and tall like he's proud of his girl.

"We'll be right down."

He smirks and gives both of us a glare, then takes two fingers and points them to his eyes and back at us. I can't help rolling my eyes. Lennox blushes, but smiles. When he leaves, the door is slightly open. I reach forward and pull her back into me and she giggles. I wrap her in my arms and kiss her cheeks. Her whole face is lit up. It's nice seeing this side of her. She had a wall there protecting herself and that's understandable. I'm happy to have broken it because this is a girl I could see being in my life for a very long time.