I sighed. “I’ve needed this.”“I know, hon,” she said sympathetically. “Julie knows what you need,” she said, and downed half her glass.“I’m so exhausted. No, scratch that. I’m sick of using that word. What comes after exhausted?” I leaned forward and rested my head against the cool kitchen countertop.“Forget about Greg. Not worth the discussion,” Julie said as she took another sip of wine.I weakly lifted my head off the countertop and looked at her through strands of hair. “I know. It’s not that, it’s …” My eyes filled with tears and I quickly put my head down again and closed my eyes.“Hey! None of that! Look at me.” Julie tapped me on the head lightly.I obligingly lifted my head again and stood up straight.She wagged her finger at me. “She’s going to beat it, right?”I nodded slowly. I could barely get out the words when I told Julie about my mom the other day.“Then, don’t waste your tears. She’s going to be great,” Julie said firmly.I took a deep breath and exhaled.
