“That’s great!” I’m beaming as I lift my mug to my lips and take a sip.
Talia narrows her eyes. “Don’t go getting ideas. Jane basically blackmailed me into going. Apparently, Felix’s best friend has been crushing on me or something, but I’m only going to get Jane off my back. It’s not like I’m interested in Brody.”
“If you say so.” You couldn’t wipe the grin off my face even if you scrubbed at it. I make a mental note to thank Jane.
“Mom!” She enunciates the word. “Quit acting like I’ve agreed to marry the dude. It’s one date, and it’ll be the only one.”
“Promise me one thing, and I’ll drop the subject.”
“What?” The suspicion in her eyes has me giggling.
“Go into it with an open mind. Don’t shut yourself off to the possibility of Brody before you’ve even tried. You might surprise yourself and like him. Would that be such a bad thing?”
“I’ll be a freshman soon, and I’ll be too busy for boys.”
“That’s nine weeks away, love. You could have a summer fling.” I wonder if Brody goes to RU. I also wonder if any other mom has to practically beg her daughter to date and go to parties.
“Jesus.” She shakes her head. “I think you’re the only mom encouraging her kid to go out and have sex.”
“Hang on here now.” I quickly sober up. “I didnotsay that. I want you to have some fun. Kissing boys is tons of fun without the need to go any further. No one should pressure you into sex, and I would never do that. It should always be in your own time. When you’re ready.”
“How old were you?” she asks, tilting her head to one side.
“When I lost my virginity?”
She nods.
“Seventeen, and it was with your father.”
“Really?”
I bob my head. “He’s the only man I’ve been intimate with.” I love I can have this kind of honest conversation with mydaughter as much as I love confirming her father has been the only one for me.
The biggest smile ghosts over her mouth. “I think that’s so romantic and sweet.”
My answering smile matches hers. “I think so too.”
“That’s what I want,” she whispers, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “I want what you and Dad have. I don’t want to settle for anything less. All my friends gush over you two. We all want to find a love like that. You’re like couple goals for sure.”
Maybe I’m wrong for pushing her. I’m probably worrying too much and overreacting. Let her find her Mr. Right in her own time. “I count my blessings every day for your dad and all of you.” I squeeze her hand. “I love my life, and I hope one day you find a man as wonderful as your father. Someone who worships the ground you walk on and supports you through all the ups and downs life brings. You deserve to be adored and cherished.”
“I doubt I’ll find anyone as amazing as Dad. He’s one of a kind, but hopefully one day I’ll findthe one.” She makes little air quotes with her fingers. “I don’t feel like I should have to kiss a hundred frogs to find my prince. When I meet him, I’ll know.”
A loud bang from the hallway claims our attention, and we’re up on our feet at the same time.
“Just drop it, Dad!” Oli shouts as pounding footsteps approach.
I reach the arch between the hall and the main living space just as Oli approaches from the other side. Kai is closing the gap behind him, wearing a face like thunder. “Your face,” I blurt as my gaze rakes over my son. His left eye is half swollen, and he has a cut on his lip and a gash on his cheek. “What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Oli brushes past me like a tornado and though I yearn to reach for him, to pull him into my arms, to press kisses into his hair, and murmur reassuring words, I don’t make a move toward him. He won’t let me comforthim and he’s not a little kid anymore. “I’m going to bed.” He stomps through the living area and out toward the bedrooms at the back.
My heart aches. “What is going on?” I ask my husband, placing one hand on his heaving chest and peering up at him.
“He won’t tell me a goddamned thing.” Kai’s frustration bleeds into the air.
“I’m gonna help clean Oli up,” Talia says, holding the medical kit she obviously retrieved from the cabinet.
“Maybe he’ll tell you why he was arrested for fighting and found with oxy in his possession because he sure as shit will not tell me.”
