FIFTY SIX

ELOISE

The ride back to Ashlake was quiet. There was no one to talk to since I was the only one in the car and the butler was much too focused on the road before him to pay me any mind. The radio played softly in the background while I listened and looked outside the window at the scenery. We were about 30 minutes into our trip, so I could tell that we would have plenty of time to stop to do something fun like go shopping or eat out.

After what seemed like hours in silence, my phone finally rang. I looked at the caller ID this time and I couldn't help but smile when I realized it was my mother. I answered and said hi to her. “Mom!”

“Eloise, dear, you sound happy. Where are you now? Did you have fun at the retreat? You are close right? Met any boys?” My mom bombarded me with questions. I missed them and how they used to get on my nerves. Now, they are just part of the soundtrack of life that made my heart feel good.

“I didn't meet any boys there, Mom, although I did reconnect with an o