16 Lighthouse Road - Debbie Macomber [107]
“Oh, I don’t know.” Justine exhaled sharply. “We’re different people.”
Different generations, too, but Olivia didn’t mention that. “You might want to remember what attracted you when you first started seeing each other.”
“I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.” Her hands cradled the coffee mug. “I was drawn to him right away—he was so polished and successful. I’d dated other men and they were always pressuring me, wanting more from the relationship.” She hesitated. “That’s probably an oversimplification.” Lifting her mug, she stared at the coffee and then lowered it to the table without taking a drink. “Actually, I was the one to blame for past dating failures. I don’t want a long-term committment or a family.” She stared at Olivia. “I’ve told you that before. I know it upset you, and I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”
“Warren’s already been married,” Olivia said, wanting to keep Justine talking, hoping that as her thoughts emerged, she’d gain insight into her daughter’s emotions.
“Actually, he’s been married three times.”
Olivia had only known about two of his former marriages, but wisely refrained from comment.
“His children are raised.”
From what she’d heard, Warren Saget had a daughter four years younger than Justine.
“In other words, he wouldn’t be interested in starting a second family.”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
Olivia merely nodded.
“Warren represents safety and security to me,” Justine said in a low, serious voice. “It’s comfortable being with him. It seemed that everything I objected to in other relationships isn’t a problem for him. He’s always been good to me and I didn’t need to worry about…you know.”
Olivia wasn’t sure she did, but again she held her tongue. “You’re looking sad.” Reaching over, she stroked the side of her daughter’s face.
“I am sad,” Justine repeated as though this was a revelation. “That’s exactly what I am.”
Olivia searched for something comforting to say, some wisdom she could pass on to her daughter. Unfortunately her mind was a blank. Every day she sat in court and issued judgments that would alter the way families lived their lives. But when it came to her own child, Olivia was at a loss.
“Have you decided to break it off?”
It was the wrong thing to ask. Justine instantly bristled. “That’s what you’d like, isn’t it?”
“No,” Olivia responded, sorry now that she’d said a word. “Whatever happens between you and Warren is your business. It’s obvious that you care for him.”
“I do. Sometimes he irritates me, and then sometimes he’s so kind and thoughtful…. I know what you think, Mom, what everyone thinks, but Warren’s got his insecurities, just like most people. And in his own way, he loves me.”
“I’m sure that’s true.”
Justine stood and deposited her coffee cup in the sink, as though preparing to leave. “Thanks, Mom, I feel better.”
Well, that was good, but Olivia felt confused. She had no idea what the visit had been about; she only knew she didn’t want it to end. “Isn’t your class reunion coming up shortly?”
“Next month,” Justine mumbled, reaching for her car keys. “I doubt Seth will be there in case you’re wondering.”
“I’m not,” Olivia lied. “But…why not?” she asked, surprised that her daughter had voluntarily brought up the other man’s name. Generally Justine went out of her way to avoid the subject of Seth Gunderson.
“He’s in Alaska, and this is his busiest time of year. He won’t be able to take four or five days off and fly home for a class reunion.”
“Perhaps not,” Olivia agreed mildly.
Then out of the blue, Justine looked her square in the eye and blurted out, “Falling in love with Seth would be a terrible risk.”
“Why is that?”
“Oh, Mom, think about it. I have nothing in common with him. He’s just the type of man I want to avoid. He’s a fisherman—that’s a dead-end career if there ever was one. Besides, he lives on a boat. I have more tablecloths than he has dishes. We just don’t…mix.”
“But you’re attracted to him?”
“He makes me crazy.” She clamped