“Long story short, Beckett and I kissed last night.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
I smiled as I got into the streetcar. My mom had never judged me a day in my life, even when I was a teenager. Mom wasn’t one to pull things over on. On the contrary, she could be tough. But I could always talk with her about anything and never hid things from her.
“Well, he’s my client.”
“Oh, such a grave sin to kiss your client,” Mom said in jest.
That put me a bit at ease.
“Not sure Josh would be so happy.”
She scoffed. “You make Josh a lot of money. He can stuff his opinions about your private life somewhere.”
“And Beckett recently became a dad.”
Mom paused for a second. “He’s in a relationship?”
“No, Mom. I’d never do that.”
I said it so loud that several passengers looked at me. I didn’t much care and pretended not to notice as I stared out the window.
Lowering my voice to a whisper, I told her Beckett’s story.
“Oh my goodness! That is quite something. That poor little girl.” Like me, Mom couldn’t understand why someone would give up their flesh and blood. “And poor Beckett!”
Then she reconsidered. “Well, I’m not that sure he’s deserving of pity. I mean, it was his choice to have a one-night stand.”
“Mom, you’re never judgy.”
“Correction: I’m never judgy withyou, daughter of mine. I reserve my judgment for everyone else.”
“I see.”
“I still don’t understand why you think this is wrong. You’re both consenting adults and wanted to kiss.”
“True. And he did say our professional relationship won’t change.”
“See? Don’t worry so much. You’re not a worrier.”
I sighed. “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m overthinking this.”
“You seem to like Beckett a whole lot more than that guy I last set you up with.”
“Well, yes,” I admitted. “That didn’t go anywhere.”
“I figured when you flat-out refused to go out with him again. Look, if you think this could be messy, then stay out of it. But otherwise, why hold back? Sometimes the most complicated things can turn out to be wonderful.”
That was clear as mud. I was hoping the chat with her would throw a bit more light over everything, but now I felt even more confused.
I was so into our conversation that I almost missed my stop. I jumped to my feet and earned a lot of ugly looks as I elbowed my way through.
“Shit, Mom, I have to go. It’s my stop. I’ll talk to you this evening, okay?”
“Sure, hon. And don’t be too hard on yourself. We’re all going through life the first time. Some things just take longer for us to figure out.”
“Thanks. You always know what to say.”
