It was true. Mia had been born with an old soul. I kept waiting for the rebellious phase—the one that usually hits at the start of puberty, when everything a mother does becomes unbearable. But it never came. She stayed the same serious, sensitive, remarkably self-aware girl she’d always been—and fiercely loyal to me.
She was nine when her father left, and for a while she withdrew, moody and tearful over small things. But that only lasted a year. Even now, with her father remarried to the intern and raising three new daughters, she seemed unbothered by it all. She’d told me once that she wasn’t like other people.
“If Dad wants to marry a girl barely out of high school and have more kids, why would I care?” she’d said. “I have you, Mom. That’s all I need.”
The memory made my eyes sting.
“Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re lost in thought. What’s up?”
“I think he might be the one.”
It was a ridiculous thought. And yet, a part of me wanted it to be true.
Could it finally be my turn?
4
VANCE
Iwoke to sunlight streaming through the small window of my apartment. The moment my mind cleared from the fog of sleep, last night came rushing back. Lila Morgan. What a surprise she’d been. She was a beautiful, gentle woman who’d managed to slip past every wall I’d built. She was lovely, yes, but it was more than that. There was a kindness and quiet intelligence in her that softened me in ways I didn’t expect, melting the resolve I’d held onto for years. A resolve to stay separate, safe, untouchable. Those blue eyes looking into mine had stirred feelings I hadn’t believed possible anymore. Not after the way Nicole had bruised both my ego and my heart, leaving me hollow and half-convinced love was a myth.
I reached for my phone on the nightstand. I was too old to play games. If I liked a woman, I’d tell her. To my surprise, a text from Lila was already waiting—sent fifteen minutes earlier.
Lila
Good morning. I just wanted to say thank you again for last night. I had a really wonderful time.
Vance
Good morning. I was just thinking about you—and last night. I had a great time too.
I hesitated. Too much? Too honest?
Three dots appeared almost immediately.
Lila
Sorry if it’s kind of early to text. I had to get up early for work this morning. I’ll tell you about it some other time, but I have a huge project starting today.
Vance
Will you have time for dinner?
Lila
For sure. I’m looking forward to it.
Relief flooded through me. She hadn’t changed her mind. She was still in.
Vance
What are you thinking? Dinner? Walk on the beach? I’m open to anything.
Lila
