Chapter 5 Jasmine, Jazz, and old wounds

The scent of roast chicken and the clicking of Maisie's nails on the hardwood floors welcomed Eva home as she let herself in. Her mother's cozy craftsman bungalow looked the same as always, full of afternoon light filtering through sheer curtains and the quiet harmonies of Claire's favorite jazz singer floating from the vintage radio in the kitchen.

"Hey Mom, I'm home! Something smells delicious," Eva called out, hanging her jacket on the rack by the door. She paused to scratch behind Maisie's velvety ears, smiling down at the golden retriever who gazed back adoringly.

"In here, sweetheart!" Claire responded cheerily.

"I'm just finishing up the veggies to go with our chicken. Go relax and I'll bring you a glass of that nice white you like."

Eva sank gratefully onto the sofa in the living room, which was dominated by the antique sewing table she and her mother had refinished together when she was twelve.

Remnants of various projects covered the table - embroidered pillowcase hems, a half-finished winter coat with rainbow buttons, the beginnings of a lace wedding veil draping delicately off the corner.

Seeing the artifacts of her mother's passions made Eva wistful. She knew how much Claire had sacrificed over the years as a single mother - long hours running her tailor and alterations shop while trying to be present for her daughter's childhood.

And still she had managed to cultivate Eva's interests too - ordering discounted designer sample fabrics, converting their garage to a rudimentary studio space, attending every school art show and play. Just like with the sewing projects, Claire somehow always summoned extra love and support even with lean budgets.

Maisie padded over and rested her chin on Eva's knee devotedly. She stroked the dog's satiny fur. "You look after her when I'm not here, don't you girl?" she murmured. Maisie thumped her tail in response. At nearly 10 years old now, the goldie showed glints of white on her muzzle but was still devoted as ever. Eva hated to think about losing Maisie too someday, as her mother's steadfast companion.

"A nice Chardonnay for my darling, fresh from Sonoma." Claire beamed as she entered, placing two wine glasses down before pulling Eva into an embrace. As always, she smelled of jasmine and clean cotton, comforting scents imprinted on Eva's earliest memories.

Over dinner, the conversation flowed easily from Eva's upcoming meetings with the auto startup interested in her fashion line to funny customer stories from Claire's shop to Maisie's recent veterinarian visit.

"I still just can't imagine why an automobile company would take an interest in sponsoring fashion design," Claire mused.

Eva shrugged, breaking off a bit of chicken to sneak to Maisie under the table.

"I know right? I wondered the same when they contacted me. Who knows, maybe they want to use cutting edge textiles in car interiors or something. But I'm not questioning fortune smiling on me!"

Claire squeezed Eva's hand excitedly. "Oh honey, just think what you could create with proper backing. You really deserve the best."

Warmth rushed through Eva at her mother's endless support. The familiar jazz crooner on the radio began her favorite ballad, and she rose spontaneously, pulling her mother up into an impromptu dance around the living room. They spun and dipped dramatically in each other's arms, giggling like young girls at a slumber party. Maisie pranced around their feet, trying to cut in on the fun.

Over a dessert of chocolate pots de crème, the conversation turned cozier, fueled by a second glass of wine when Eva's gaze suddenly landed on some familiar looking envelopes peeking out from under a pile of magazines.

She recognized the sloping cursive immediately - it was from the father who had left when she was just 6 years old.

Eva felt a twist in her chest. Her dad had sent letters sporadically over the years, though she eventually stopped reading them, tired of hoping for his return. The envelopes brought back that familiar ache of abandonment.

Claire followed her daughter's gaze and her expression softened with understanding.

"I found those cleaning the other day. From your father again. I wasn't sure if I should give them to you, but..."

Eva shook her head, waving it off.

"It's okay, you don't have to explain. I don't need to read them."

She busied herself with one of the magazines, avoiding eye contact.

Claire touched her daughter's shoulder gently. "I know it still hurts, sweetie. But don't lose faith that he loves you, in his own flawed way."

Eva just nodded tightly, dropping the subject.

She didn't want to spoil their lovely evening discussing the man who had left a hole in both their lives. There was no point reopening old wounds that would never fully heal.

Curled on opposite ends of the sofa, Eva found herself confessing more about her birthday party last week, possibly to reduce the tension that was already in the room.

"It was wonderful seeing Gia and Noah, but I swear the night attracted the most ridiculous men," she sighed ruefully.

"So I accidentally spill my drink on this dude, and after telling me to produce another suit for him, he uses the opportunity as an excuse to force me to have a replacement drink with him all night!"

Claire looked outraged for a moment on Eva's behalf. Then she broke into laughter.

Eva grinned too and continued. "And if that wasn't enough drama, when we finally decided to go home, some entitled jerk stole our parking spot. I'm still so pissed."

She flopped back against the cushions in irritation. Maisie didn't even hesitate, immediately hopping up to snuggle.

"At least you have my back, Maisie. Isn't that right, girl?" Eva cooed. The dog nuzzled under her arm contentedly.

Claire smiled at them sympathetically while clearing the dessert dishes. "Oh my baby,I wish the world could see how talented and brilliant you are. And I know someday, someone special would see you the way I do."

Eva felt a warm gratitude for her mother's confidence in her that she rose to give her a fierce hug, blinking back sudden tears, burying her face in her mother's shoulder for a long moment as Maisie pressed comfortingly against their legs.

As she pulled away, they burst into laughter at the smudge of chocolate Claire's hug had left near her mouth.

After helping tidy the kitchen, Eva gathered her things reluctantly. Giving Maisie one more good belly rub and a pat on the head. she double checked if she had her phone, keys and purse.

As she popped back to the kitchen to grab a couple of the chocolate pots de crème to go, she reminded her mom about their plans to go fabric shopping on Saturday before they hugged one last time.

Eva then walked out the door into the cool night air, looking back to see her mother framed in the doorway, silhouetted by the warm light within.