Perfect Fit - Brenda Jackson [81]
Sage swallowed as she remembered her weekend with Gabe, the kissing, the touching, and the tasting…. “Yes. We’ve dated a few times and I really like him. At some point I may decide that I want a serious relationship with him, and if that’s the case, I want to make sure Erol fully understands that what we shared is over. Completely. I’m hearing from too many people that he believes we’ll eventually get back together, and that won’t happen. He needs to get on with his life the way I’m getting on with mine.”
There was another long pause. “The two of you really aren’t going to get back together, are you?” her mother asked, as if finally realizing the truth.
Sage shook her head. She had thought that after her last conversation with her mother, she had gotten through to her. Evidently not. It had taken her mentioning another man to make her mother accept what she’d been trying to tell her all along. “No, Mom, we’re not. Even if I hadn’t met Gabe, there was no way for Erol and me to recapture what we once had. Everyone operates at different tolerance levels, certain limits to what they will put up with, and I place a lot of weight on trust in a relationship.”
“This man you’ve met. His name is Gabe?”
“Yes, Gabe Blackwell.”
“And he’s from Alaska?”
Sage smiled. Now that the shock had worn off, the inquisitiveness had set in. “No, he’s from Michigan. Gabe owns the construction company that’s building the ski resort.” Sage knew she was building up her relationship with Gabe to more than it was, but she was determined to make her mother realize things between her and Erol were completely over.
“Then, I’m sorry, Sage. I really thought things would work themselves out between you and Erol. I honestly had believed that; but I now see that you have made a decision that you feel is the best one for you, and I’m happy for you. In spite of how your father and I feel about Erol, we just want you to be happy. You’re our daughter and we love you.”
Sage didn’t say anything for a long, quiet moment. She appreciated her mother’s understanding words and knew what she’d just told her was difficult. Sage had known from the first time she had brought Erol home over Christmas break to meet her parents that they had approved of him and had immediately accepted him into the family and into their hearts. To them it would be like losing a son.
“Your father wants to talk to you, Sage.”
Her mother’s words recaptured Sage’s attention. “All right.” She braced herself for the sound of her father’s voice. It was a voice that in the past she loved hearing and regretted their relationship wasn’t what it used to be, especially now more so than ever.
“Sage?”
“Hello, Dad.”
“You’re all right?”
“Yes, Dad, I’m fine. What about you?”
“I’m okay.” He momentarily got quiet and then said, “I heard bits and pieces of your and your mother’s conversation but enough to know you’ve gotten on with your life and have met someone else.”
“Yes. I’m really trying to move forward, and yes, I’ve met someone. His name is Gabe Blackwell. Right now it’s nothing serious, we’re just dating, getting to know each other, but I really do like him,” she said honestly.
“I’m glad, and I just want you to know that your mom and I are supportive of whatever decisions you make.”
Tears eased into Sage’s eyes. There had never been a time her father had not been in her corner, and even now his approval of what she was doing meant a lot, although a part of her wanted to believe that it didn’t. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate that. Right now the main thing on my mind is meeting with Erol and making him see that there’s no future for us.”
“When will you see him?”
“A week from Thursday. I’m flying into Dallas that morning, and we’re having dinner together that evening. Then I’m flying out first thing Friday morning to return here.”
“Would it be possible for you to come home a few days for a visit?”
Sage’s eyes squeezed shut. More than anything she wished that were possible, but she wasn’t ready yet. She needed more time before