Bluetooth interrupts my playlist over the speakers to announce I have a call just as I pull into the city limits of Athens.
“I just pulled into town,” I inform Hamilton instead of saying hello.
“Good, I was worried.”
“Why?”
He explains I mentioned the time I planned to leave Columbia and with that I should have arrived an hour ago. I can’t admit that I needed one more hour with Liberty before I left on yet another trip. Instead I promise that my reason for running late is a great one that I will share over lunch with them in about twenty minutes as I am stopping for gas on my way through town. I’ve been busy this week—I still need to tell him all of my good news.
Before I park my car, Memphis and Hamilton walk my way. Hamilton opens my door for me. Memphis wraps me in a tight hug and Hamilton joins us.
“Guys, I can’t breathe,” I sputter.
They release me, help me with my bags, and lead me into the house. Just as I thought she would, Memphis has lunch ready for us. Hamilton whisks my items upstairs while Memphis orders me to take a seat. I don’t dare disobey her. When Hamilton returns we eat.
“Spill it,” Hamilton orders.
Memphis swats his right arm. “Hamilton Armstrong, where are your manners? I raised you better than that.”
Smiling sugary sweet, Hamilton looks from his mother to me. “Madison, sweetheart, please share with the two of us about your interview on Monday and your trip to Dallas.” Hamilton lays his politeness on very thick—I can only laugh. Memphis rolls her eyes at me. I’ve missed the two of them.
“The middle school hired me on the spot Monday. I start January 4th for at least five weeks teaching social studies.” I smile at Memphis before taking a few more bites.
I didn’t anticipate Hamilton’s reaction. He runs over to my side of the table to hug me from behind while I remain seated. He claims we need to celebrate. I remind him we have bachelor and bachelorette parties tonight and a wedding tomorrow, we can celebrate there. Hamilton returns to his seat but doesn’t resume eating. He awaits the rest of my good news. I take two more bites chewing slowly to make him wait a bit longer.
“D.C. Bland Publishing chose me as their new author of the year for the upcoming year. They plan to publish my first book by late-summer then slowly release my other books after that. Cameron will be my editor and contact person. She will get to travel to visit Alma and me on the company dime while we talk business. It all seems very surreal.”
Both Memphis and Hamilton talk excitedly about this news. I try to answer questions when I can and promise to share more as I learn about it. Memphis requests to read my manuscripts prior to publication and I promise to send a digital copy to her soon.
After lunch we remain at the kitchen table to catch up on Hamilton’s many endorsement deals and public appearances past and future. I feel at ease and comfortable at the Armstrong table. I wonder when I divulge my secret about Liberty if I will still be welcome and comfortable. If I am not, I pray Liberty will be.
Hamilton invites me to help him make a few repairs outside, but I opt to visit with Memphis this afternoon claiming I need to rest for tonight and tomorrow’s activities after my travels to Dallas and drive to Athens this morning.
Memphis and I visit for a bit then quietly read while Hamilton busies himself outside. I’m half sitting half lying on the sofa while I read on my Kindle App. Memphis rocks as she reads her book.
“I hope the two of you will find some time this afternoon or tomorrow to talk.” Memphis closes her book in her lap. I look up from my phone. “I’m a mom and a mom can sense when there is something up. The two of you…” She tucks hair behind her right ear. “I’ve tried not to interfere, but it’s been a year.”
She moves close beside me on the sofa. Holding my hand in hers she informs me she knows I’m hiding something. “It’s more than just moving away to college. During your video calls and even now, your eyes give you away. I can tell you are happy to be here, but there is something you are holding back.” She raises her palm out to me when I begin to speak. “Now, I won’t push—it’s your life. I just want you to know I am here for you. You can tell me anything—I’m here to help in any way I can. If you just need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, I’m here for that, too. If you can’t talk to me, I want to encourage you to talk to Hamilton. I realize he is very busy and usually so far away, but he’s here today and tomorrow for you. He’ll be here until after Christmas. I just hate seeing you hold back.”
She takes a deep breath. “The same goes for him. Something is up. I don’t know if it is stress, his team, his appearances, or what. I’ve tried a few times to get him to open up with no luck.” She shakes her head then stands frustrated. “I feel helpless. I can see the two of you suffering a bit, but I can’t fix it if I’m not let in.”
Before she leaves the room, I call to her. “Memphis, you’re right. I do have something I just can’t share it yet. I’m still trying to work a few things out. I’ve almost called you a hundred times but am not ready quite yet.” I take her hand in mine. “I know you are here for me. I need to share this with him first and it’s never been the right time.”
“It will never be the perfect time. Life is unpredictable. You need to get it off your chest before it festers too big to do anything about. I assume by him you mean my son.” I nod. “Hamilton loves you—talk to him. It’s the off-season. He has a while before he reports to spring training. Take a deep breath and then tell him whatever it is. You’ll feel better just getting it off your chest.”
I nod and return to the sofa. I don’t open my phone. I can’t read now. I should have known I couldn’t hide from Memphis. I want to tell her. I could do it right now then ask her how to break the news to her son. In my heart I am ready for everyone to know, but I can’t take the spotlight off Salem and Latham’s wedding. I can’t do it with Liberty so far away—they will want to see her immediately.
Again, it’s not the right time.
Memphis kindly gives me time to myself. She mentioned Hamilton is keeping something from her, too. I wonder if it might be about me. It could be work and his busy off-season schedule this year. I’m sure he knows he can talk to me if he needs to. I don’t want to push it, though. As much as I want to know if his constantly touching and kissing me means something, I’m not ready for that discussion either. I close my eyes deciding to focus on Salem and her wedding activities. The rest will work itself out in time.