Message in a Bottle Read Online Free PDF Page B

her seat and went to the phone to dial David’s number. It was still early there, only seven o’clock, but she knew the whole family would be awake by now. Kevin always rose at the crack of dawn, and for once she was thankful that someone else had to share in that wonderful experience. She paced back and forth as the phone rang a few times before Annette picked up. Theresa could hear the TV in the background and the sound of a crying baby.
    “Hi. It’s Theresa. Is Kevin around?”
    “Oh, hi. Of course he’s here. Hold on for just a second.”
    The phone clunked down on the counter and Theresa listened as Annette called for him: “Kevin, it’s for you. Theresa’s on the phone.”
    The fact that she wasn’t referred to as Kevin’s mom hurt more than she expected, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it.
    Kevin was out of breath when he reached the phone.
    “Hey, Mom. How’re you doing? How’s your vacation?”
    She felt a pang of loneliness at the sound of his voice. It was still high, childlike, but she knew it was only a matter of time before it changed.
    “It’s beautiful, but I only got here yesterday night. I haven’t done much except for jogging this morning.”
    “Were there a lot of people on the beach?”
    “No, but I saw a few people heading out as I finished. Hey, when do you take off with your dad?”
    “In a couple days. His vacation doesn’t start until Monday, so that’s when we leave. Right now he’s getting ready to go into the office to do some work so that he’ll be free and clear by the time we go. Do you want to talk to him?”
    “No, I don’t have to. I was just calling to tell you that I hope you’ll have a good time.”
    “It’s going to be a blast. I saw a brochure on the river trip. Some of the rapids look pretty cool.”
    “Well, you be careful.”
    “Mom, I’m not a kid anymore.”
    “I know. Just reassure your old-fashioned mother.”
    “Okay, I promise. I’ll wear my life jacket the whole time.” He paused for a moment. “You know, we’re not going to have a phone, though, so we won’t be able to talk until I get back.”
    “I figured as much. It should be a lot of fun, though.”
    “It’ll be awesome. I wish that you could come with us. We’d have a great time.”
    She closed her eyes for a moment before responding, a trick her therapist had taught her. Whenever Kevin said something about the three of them being together again, she always tried to make sure she said nothing that she’d later regret. Her voice sounded as optimistic as she could make it.
    “You and your dad need some time alone. I know he’s missed you a lot. You’ve got some catching up to do, and he’s been looking forward to this trip as long as you have.” There, that wasn’t so hard.
    “Did he tell you that?”
    “Yes. A few times.”
    Kevin was quiet.
    “I’ll miss you, Mom. Can I call you as soon as I get back to tell you about the trip?”
    “Of course. You can call me anytime. I’d love to hear all about it.” Then, “I love you, Kevin.”
    “I love you too, Mom.”
    She hung up the phone, feeling both happy and sad, which was how she usually felt whenever they talked on the phone when he was with his father.
    “Who was that?” Deanna said from behind her. She had come down the stairs wearing a yellow tiger-striped blouse, red shorts, white socks, and a pair of Reeboks. Her outfit screamed “I’m a tourist!” and Theresa did her best to keep a straight face.
    “It was Kevin. I gave him a call.”
    “Is he doing okay?” She opened the closet and grabbed a camera to complete the ensemble.
    “He’s fine. He leaves in a couple of days.”
    “Good, that’s good.” She draped the camera around her neck. “And now that that’s taken care of, we have some shopping to do. We’ve got to get you looking like a new woman.”
    *  *  *
    Shopping with Deanna was an experience.
    Once they got to Provincetown, they spent the rest of the morning and early