We looked at the background checks together last night, laughing at some of the things there. Tyler had a shoplifting charge from when he was a kid. They’d all been caught in one compromising position or another with women. There was nothing that bothered me. We all had pasts that no longer mattered.
But the file was in my bag, because I would need it.
“Actually, I called you to lunch to tell you why I haven’t been answering your calls. And yes, it’s also what I teased on stage.”
“Good news?”
The happiness surged up and through me so fast it stopped my ability to speak, breathe, and think. “Yeah. It’s great news.” I took a slow breath. “At the award show, while I was backstage, I scent-matched with a pack. We’re scent-sympathetic. I went into heat because I’d just come off my suppressants from filming. I was with them, and… occupied when you called.”
Mom froze, staring at me. Then she broke into a smile and practically pulled me over the table to hug me again. “Oh, my sweet girl, I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” I managed. Hot tears filled my eyes. It was all overwhelming and I was so relieved. “It’s so fast, but I’ve never felt anything like it.”
When she pulled back, she ran her fingers under her eyes and wiped away tears and delicately dried her face with her napkin. “Now I know why you looked so happy during your speech.” She laughed. “Who are they?”
“Since you were watching the show. The band that played right after I presented that award? That’s them.”
“Oh.” Mom’s smile tightened, and I glanced at Esme, who winced in sympathy. “I’m sure they’re lovely.”
“They are.”
“We might have some work to do on the side of the media, of course, but we can make it work.”
Esme took a sip of water and shrugged. “I think it works perfectly for the media. You know how people are. Good girl and bad boys.”
“Not too bad, I hope.”
I reached into my bag and grabbed the folder. “You’ll probably ask Neil for it anyway, so here you go. It’s their background checks. There’s nothing in here that’s going to cause a problem. Or if someone tries, they really should find better things to do with their time.”
She took it and opened it, glancing through the files. Esme reached over under the table and took my hand. I squeezed, and she squeezed back.
“You’re scent-sympathetic?” Mom asked.
“When I went backstage I kept asking Jasmine to find out the flavor of scent canceller they were using, or what the incredible smelling candle was. It wasn’t either of those things. It was them. It’s like having your soul rewritten, and I have no regrets or questions.”
Closing the folder, Mom tucked it into her own bag. I was sure she would be looking over them in detail later. “I am happy for you.”
“Even if they’re a rock band?”
I saw the way she paused, fighting against her natural instinct. “Even if they’re a rock band.”
“You’re going to love them.” My smile felt fake because it was so wide, but it wasn’t. “I promise. You’ll have to meet them soon.”
“Bring them over for dinner,” she said, flagging down the waiter. “You let me know when works for you.”
“Done.”
Mom looked across the table at Esme. “Now we just have to find someone for you.”
I didn’t need to look to feel Esme’s walls building. “It’ll happen when it happens, Mom.”
“Of course. But neither of you are getting any younger. People will think it’s strange if you aren’t settled down soon.”
Esme downed the last of her water and stood. “I’m sure you’ll find someone, Mom. Talk to you later, Eva.”
She didn’t even hesitate as she walked away and out of the restaurant. I sighed, my chest aching. “You need to stop doing that, Mom.”
“Do what? Be honest?”
