Double update! Make sure you've read 53 before this.

~

"So... Dawson..." I stare at the handsome stranger across the table. As of right now, he's surprising me. He's nice, funny, good-looking... If I didn't have Harry, I might've fallen for this guy. Sure, he's more than twenty years older than me but age is just a number, right?

Harry! Crap! I totally forgot about the purpose of this day after mom's... I don't know?... showed up.

"So... Ellie..." Dawson mimics.

I lean back in my chair and dramatically make a show of me inspecting him. He just smiles through it. I look at his mostly dark hair with a few grays peppering through. His eyes are vibrant and youthful. His face has a light stubble that adds to his looks.

"How'd you two meet?" Lily asks. I continue my scrutinizing while he looks away and smiles at my mom.

Gag.

Don't get me wrong, I like whatever they have going on, but it's so gross to see your mom engage in any romantic behavior that isn't with your dad–and even that's pushing it sometimes.

My mom takes a deep breath. "Remember that announcement I told you about? Well, this is it."

"So you two are dating, then?" I can't help the disappointment in my voice. I've seen her crumble when dad left her for his soulmate, even if the signs were hidden. What'll happen when Dawson finds his? How can she even trust him?

"Yes, well–" he starts.

"We're soulmates, actually," she continues. I blink in surprise. I'm too shocked to even look at Lily right now. Without allowing us to process the news, she continues. "He came into the ER when I was on shift. The idiot crashed his motorcycle. He came limping into the ER instead of calling an ambulance."

"It's expensive," Dawson shrugs with a goofy grin. "But the crash was the least of my worries. When I locked eyes with your mom across the room, I felt like I was going to faint."

Oh, I know the feeling.

"I wouldn't expect you guys to understand yet but man, it's overwhelming! All those colors hit you at once and it's like sensory overload," he continues with vivid hand gestures.

His words make my heart wrench once again. I couldn't possibly tell everyone about Harry now! It would make me seem like I'm trying to steal the spotlight. It's my mom's special announcement. I can't taint it with my own news, no matter how old. It's like announcing you're pregnant at someone's wedding!

My mom's laughter breaks me out of my thoughts. "Oh, sweetie, you're exaggerating." She turns to us but locks eyes with Lily. "I promise it's not that bad. I felt a little dizzy at first. They took Dawson in before I could talk to him. When I finally recomposed and had a mini-freakout, I scoured every room to find him until I realized I had access to his patient file... except I didn't even know his name."

"Your mom's a huge stalker," Dawson jokes.

"Oh, shut up," she playfully responds. "Don't act like you weren't hobbling around the hospital trying to find me too." He bashfully looks down, confirming her accusations.

Looking at them, I feel a swell of joy in my heart. Mom looks truly happy and it's very obvious that Dawson loves her. He won't be like dad.

"How long ago was this?" Lily asks. When I turn to look at her, she's smiling in adoration. Guess we have the same thoughts on them.

"About three years ago. I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you guys but we wanted to make sure we were set before we did," mom rushes out.

"Don't worry," Lily smiles warmly. "You told us now, that's all that matters."

I inhale. Yeah! If my mom can lie about her soulmate for three years, why can't I lie about my own for five? Lily's words calm me because she's right. I'm just hoping my mom keeps an open mind when I tell her about Harry. Maybe I'll keep Lily in the room to mediate.

"Totally, mom," I add overenthusiastically. "No hard feelings. You did what you had to do." I must be acting too obvious because Lily pinches my leg under the table. I yelp and swat her hand away.

"See? I told you they'd be understanding," Dawson says warmly to my mother before looking down at his half-eaten plate. The whole eating thing was paused when mom dropped the bomb. "Foods getting cold, eh? Let's finish up."

So we do. We also grill him all night.

"So, what do you do for a living?" Lily asks.

"I work at a marketing firm but I'm also part of a biker gang. Just some old buddies and I hanging out on the weekends," he answers brightly before stuffing his mouth with turkey, which is immaculate by the way. Who knew she could cook this?

"So you have the leather jackets and stuff?" she asks in awe. When he nods, I'm pretty sure she's seconds away from passing out.

"Surely a good-looking guy like you have been around the block a few times..." I say in a judgemental tone. In reality, I'm trying to get a feel on him. He almost seems too perfect. Ever since my dad was an ass and just left, I'm feeling slightly protective of my mom. I know it's different because he's her soulmate and he can't hurt her without hurting himself–I know from experience–but I'm still wary.

"Actually, no. I was a firm believer in only ever dating my soulmate. Never had a relationship prior. A few flings, sure, but nothing emotionally attached."

Damn it! Impressive.

"Hm, okay. What is it then? Oedipus complex? Dead bodies in the attic? Dog fetish?"

"Ellie!" my mom gasps. Can't blame her. I'm being outrageously rude right now.

"You got me. Cult leader," Dawson says wistfully before putting a hand on my mom's. "It's okay, sweetheart. I know exactly what's going on here."

"Oh, really?" I ask, arching my brows.

He purses his lips and nods. "Yup. You're trying to find my flaws."

Oh, he's good!

"I'll just tell them to you. Sometimes I prioritize having fun over my life, hence the motorcycle crash three years ago. I'm a momma's boy and still send her flowers once a month. I will always complain about my job because it's the most boring thing in the world. Oh, and I'm a cat person which I'm being told is a bad thing."

Then he stuffs a forkful of turkey into his mouth.

I'm too shocked to even respond. This man is something else, really. Lily slyly nudges me and gives me a smug look. I've been duped.

"Sweetie, you're not one of those vegans now, are you? You've hardly touched your dinner and you're so thin," my mom cries out when she eyes my plate.

Sorry I was too shocked to look at my food, let alone eat it.

"Nope, haven't transformed to veganism yet." To prove my point, I eat another chunk of turkey and moan at the taste. "I've gotten skinny because I walk a lot there." And my eating habits are the worst but with Danny, it's not too much of a concern.

Ugh. Danny. I miss him. He's also out of town, visiting family. Since Daffodil has no one, she's decided to spend the break with Alex. She was super accommodating when I told her about the situation but a small part of me believes Alex's behind it all.

"Still. You don't look healthy. I want you to eat another serving of turkey."

"Okay," I laugh. She's acting like the pre-divorced mom right now and I love it. That's it. I'm officially declaring Dawson a good man for her. She's glowing.

Lily and I continue to drill him for the rest of the night and he patiently answers our questions. Mom's eyes light up as the conversation bounces back and forth. At some point, she manages to sneak extra mashed potatoes onto my plate. I notice but silently appreciate it.

We talk well after our food's finished. We laugh, we share embarrassing stories, we observe. I think this is one of the most fun Thanksgivings I've ever had.

Note to self: thank Harry for this by giving the most mind-blowing sex.

Dawson eventually slaps his thighs and sighs. "Alright, I should head out now. I still need to pick up some dessert for my mom."

Aww, mama's boy. Just like Harry.

"I'll walk you to the door," mom says, standing up.

He stands too and brushes the imaginary crumbs off of his pants. "Ellie, Lily. It was nice meeting you. I hope we can see each other again soon."

"Keep it up with my mom and that'll definitely happen." Lily flashes him a cheeky grin. Her attachment to him shouldn't be surprising. She's always been this way with any potential father figure, including our real dad. Sometimes even with Harry! Now poor Dawson's on the receiving end of it. He doesn't seem to mind though, which is good.

"Me too," I say. He flashes us one last grin and wave before walking to the door with our mom. Lily gets up to follow but I quickly pull her back down. She gives me a questioning look. "Do you really want to see mom and Dawson swapping spit?"

She shudders in disgust. "You're right. I don't."

"Come on, let's clean this up." I gesture to the table piled with dirty dishes.

Lily dramatically gasps. "Dishes? You've grown up!"

"Funny."

Together, we pile the empty plates into the sink. I attempt to not look toward the door as we pass the sightline in case I catch my mom in a gross act. The door hasn't shut yet so I know he's still here. At one point, Lily makes a sound from the back of her throat. When I look over, Dawson and my mom are hugging. Simply hugging. And it's adorable.

We continue our duties. All the leftovers are shoved into the fridge. When she's still not back, Lily and I steal another slice of pie and eat it at the counter.

"This feels nice," I say with a content sigh.

"Like the pre-divorce days," Lily sighs too. We both glance at each other. There seems to be a sense of understanding in the air, like we both know this is what's best. This is how life's supposed to be. Stolen pies and laughter, not turkey sandwiches and silence.

Mom finally comes swaying back into the kitchen. It isn't hard to miss the way her shoulders are relaxed and her glowing face. She looks happy.

She looks at the full sink with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Who's helping with dishes?"

"And that's my cue," Lily grins. When I give her a dirty look, she pats her bloated belly and groans. "I'm too full to even stand upright. Have fun with dishes." She wiggles her fingers in a wave as she walks past me.

"Rude," I mutter under my breath. Our mom looks amused as she watches Lily's retreating figure. When she finally turns her gaze toward me, her eyes are warm.

We both get to the sink, with her washing and me drying. For the first two minutes, we work in silence. The sounds of ceramics clinking and the water running is all you can hear.

Then she's the one to break the silence. "I'm sorry I've kept Dawson from you for so long. And I'm sorry for being a terrible mother."

For a second I freeze. This came out of nowhere.

Ironic that the words I've repeating for the past few years instill panic in me when she's the one saying it.

"No! You weren't. If anything–"

She puts up a soapy hand to shut me up. "I was. After your father left me, all I wanted to do was leave this stupid house. I couldn't just sell it, so I did the next best thing: working as much as possible. I should've been there for you guys. I didn't handle things properly and I'm sorry."

All I can do is gape at her. She continues washing dishes as if she hasn't confirmed my paranoia. After a solid minute, I look down at the wet plate in my hand and resume wiping it down with a rag.

"It's okay. I understand" –more than anything – "and it could've been worse. You could've been a druggie who sold Lil and me for extra money."

She gives me a bewildered look that makes me realize how insane I sound.

"But Dawson makes you happy," I add. "And that makes me happy. I know I haven't been the best daughter either but I want that to change. I'm sorry for not trying harder all these years."

She hands me the last plate and I quickly dry it off. She wipes her hands on her dress and smiles. Her eyes sparkle more than ever. "Well, it's settled then. Clean slate?"

Clean slate. That sounds familiar.

"Clean slate," I repeat.

I feel better. Much better.

"So, LA huh? It suits you, really."

"Thanks," I grin.

She gently bumps her hip with mine. "So, any boyfriends you've left behind? Coworkers, actors, singers?" She pauses. "British singers, perhaps?"

I blink at her. She wears an impish smile as she looks back at me. It's then that I realize she knows.

"You know?!"

She laughs as she grabs the plate before it slips out of my flailing hands. "I'm still your mom. Why didn't you tell me you're dating a celebrity?" There's no hurt in her voice, only genuineness, which makes me feel even guiltier. She doesn't even expect me to tell her these things.

"Erm, it's a little more than dating." Might as well let the whole truth out now.

"Oh?" She sets down the plate and turns to face me completely. "Don't tell me you've gotten married without me."

My eyes widen and I vigorously shake my head. "No, no! Definitely not married." To prove my point, I shove my bare left hand in her face. She heartily laughs and gently pushes my hand down. I awkwardly avert my gaze. "He's kinda my soulmate."

Her giggles only get louder. "Oh, I knew that."

My head whips up to her in shock. "You knew that too?!"

She tsks as she leans against the counter. "Of course I did! Do you remember the day I picked you and Lily up from that concert? You looked terrible. And then a few months later you took a last-minute trip to England and mysteriously ended up as the same singer's assistant? Honey, I may not always be here but I'm not stupid."

My jaw drops completely. "So this whole time you knew?"

"Yes," she laughs, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I have to say, I expected you to tell me much sooner. I didn't want to pester though. There was a reason you weren't telling me."

I purse my lips and nod. "It's just that... I didn't want to rub it in your face when you didn't find your own. And then tonight, you brought Dawson and I didn't want to steal the spotlight. It was your special announcement, not mine."

Her arms embrace me in a hug only mothers can do. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm still your mom. I'd never feel that way around you."

"I know."

She pulls away and drags me to the dining table. "Tell me everything."

And so I do. I catch her up on Harry –the first breakup and The Great Drift. I tell her about LA, my job, and how Harry and I met again. By the end of it, her smile's so wide that it makes my face hurt.

"And he's the reason you're here," she concludes. When I nod, she laughs and pats my leg. "He sounds like a great young man. I wish he was at dinner with us. I'd love to meet him."

"Maybe another day?" I have no idea when we're set to leave Florida.

"How about dinner tomorrow?"

"I'll ask."

"So, are things serious between you?"

"I think so."

She frowns. It probably wasn't the answer she was expecting. With narrowed eyes, she scans my face. "Why do you sound so hesitant?"

Curse her perceptiveness!

Instead of keeping myself guarded as I often do, I let out a deep exhale and massage my temples. She's my mom, I can tell her about this stuff with hopefully no judgment. "I'm scared. So freaking scared."

"Why?"

My throat feels dry as I swallow. To stall, I get up and grab a glass of water from the kitchen. Mom patiently waits for me.

I sit back down, take a big gulp of air, and let it all out. "The first time we broke up, I wasn't even that upset because deep down I knew he'd eventually figure out what I was doing. And he did, but then we stopped talking again. As the years went on, I lost hope. I moved to California and lived life without him. I just assumed he was too busy being a celebrity to care. I got over it and made a life for myself. Just when things are going well, he pops back in.

"And I love him, I do," I pause, realizing this is the first time in a while that I'm admitting I love him. I thought after all these years I might've fallen out of love, but I don't think I ever did. "But I'm just scared I'm going to screw it up again. He's so intent on moving so fast but I want to take it slow."

"Take it slow? Honey, there is no slow. You've known each other for five years. How much slower do you want?"

"But we didn't talk for nearly four of those years," I remind her. "And we've both changed as people."

"Well, that's the fun of it, isn't it? You might've changed but you still found your way back to him. There's no reason to be scared. Be brave. Tell him how you feel. If he's an ounce of the way you described him, he'd never hurt you."

She's right. Of course she is! Why am I being so cautious? We both know it doesn't get better than this. Nothing will ever compare to us.

Plus, I'm the one who messes things up. He hardly ever hurts me.

"What if I screw everything up?" I whisper.

"You might," she hums. When I give her a bewildered look, she smiles. "But if you do, you just have to make it right. You've changed, Ellie. Everyone with eyes can see that. You're smarter. More mature. You owe it to yourself to try. When things get rough, fix them instead of giving up."

Her advice hits me hard. I need to fix things instead of running away. I ran away to college, I ran away to California. I need to stay for once.

"Go to him," she says, squeezing my knee.

"Are you–"

"Honey, you have a British hunk waiting for you, all alone, in a hotel room on Thanksgiving. Go, and take some leftovers."

With a goofy grin, I text Harry to pick me up. After mom packs up some leftovers for us to enjoy, I take the opportunity to interrogate her.

"So... you and Dawson," I smirk. She rolls her eyes but her cheeks speckle with pink. "What are you guys?"

"Soulmates."

I groan. "Obviously. I mean, are you guys just hooking up or dating or thinking about marriage?"

She waves a hand through the air, dismissing my thoughts. "I've already gotten married once."

"But if he asked, would you say yes?"

She freezes as she's wrapping up the turkey. Aha! I've hit an emotional nerve.

"I suppose," she says shyly. "If he asked, I'd say yes."

I resist the urge to coo in her face and instead beam like an idiot. "Mom, you're so cute when you're shy!"

"Oh, hush up," she scolds, still managing to turn red. "Remember, I'm the mother here."

My phone chimes and I see that Harry's parked outside. I stand up and stretch my arms over my head. "Harry's here. Should I invite him inside?"

She gasps like I've said something outrageous. "Are you insane? I look a mess! No. I want a proper meeting with him tomorrow. Dinner. You both better show up."

I mock-salute. "Yes, ma'am."

After one last foreign, but motherly, hug, I yell up at Lily that I'm leaving. She bounces down the steps, looking worried. Her eyes dart between mom and me nervously.

"Is everything okay?"

"Everything's perfect," I grin, locking eyes with mom, who seems to agree.

After exchanging our goodbyes, I slip into Harry's rental. He cautiously looks at me as if I'm a rabid animal about to attack.

"So..."

"That went well," I tell him and watch as his shoulders deflate. "Really well. And my mom gave us leftovers." I hold up the bag to show him. "And we're having dinner with her tomorrow."

His face light up and suddenly I feel bad for depriving him of the personal parts of my life for so long. Hopefully I can make it up.