“Is that good?”
“Yeah, totally,” Mia said. “Mom had a great time with you last night.”
“I’m glad. She’s pretty special.”
“Right? That’s what I always tell her.”
“She says I have you to thank for putting her profile on the app.”
She shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. “We all got in a lot of trouble. But I’m still glad we did it.”
“I’m in full agreement.”
She tilted her head, her expression contemplative. “You don’t seem like the type to hurt someone. Or cheat.”
“I have no intention of doing either.” I smiled at her. There was something about her—those big brown eyes, the sincerity in her voice. An old soul. A kindred one too.
“My dad hurt her really bad.”
“I understand. I’m divorced. And it was messy. My ex hurt me too.”
“Did she cheat like my dad?”
“No. Worse, actually.”
“What could be worse than that?”
“I’ll have to tell you about it some other time,” I said.
“Whatever she did, I’m sorry.”
Mia sounded so sad I wanted to pull her in for a hug, but I didn’t dare.
“I wish you’d known her before my dad did what he did,” she said softly. “She used to laugh all the time. And sing in the shower. Dance in the kitchen. He ruined everything.”
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I wish I didn’t, but I get it. My dad was a real bastard. He left when I was five—or rather, my mom kicked his abusive butt out.”
“He hurt her?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“Did she ever remarry?”
“No, I’m afraid not.”
Mia’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s super sad.”
“It is, yeah.” I pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. “But she’s fine now. Living her best life.”
“What’s this?” she asked, holding it up.
“It’s to dry your eyes with—the old-fashioned way.”
She dabbed at her cheeks. “Do I give it back?”
“No, you can keep it. A gentleman doesn’t ask for it to be returned.”
She gazed up at me, wiping the corners of her eyes. “You’re so perfect for my mom. I knew I was right when I chose you.”
