“Attracted?” Annette replied sharply. “I never said I was attracted to Miles.”
“You didn’t have to say it.”
“Oh, no!” Annette groaned at the ceiling. “I’m that obvious?”
Riley patted her hand. “Only to me, I’m sure.”
“Humph. Well. Maybe you’re right.”
“You’d better believe I’m right.”
“But, Riley, there’s another problem.”
“Tell me.”
“Miles is fifty-two. I’m fifty-eight. I could never go out with a younger man.”
“Annette. It’s six years. Six years is nothing—especially the older you get.”
Annette pouted. “Was that an insult?”
“Of course not. It’s a simple fact. Ask him out.”
Annette threw up both hands and cried, “You don’t understand!”
Riley stood and pulled her up into a hug. When Annette hugged her back, she whispered, “Just consider the idea. That’s all I’m suggesting. Just give it some thought.”
“It’s impossible—but thank you, Riley. For listening to my ridiculous…problems.”
“Your problems are not in the least ridiculous. Think about it. Please.”
“I’ll just…”
“You’ll what?”
“Oh, nothing.” Annette put on a slightly wobbly smile. “I’ll be fine, sweetheart.”
“I’m here. You know that.”
“Of course you are. And I love you for it.”
They left it at that. Riley assumed that her mother-in-law would take weeks to decide whether or not to make a move.
* * *
Wrong. That evening as Riley came down the stairs after tucking Dillon in bed, there was a knock at the door.
It was Annette. “Is Dillon in bed?”
“I just tucked him in. If you want to see him, go on up and—”
“Hmm. Better not. Let him sleep. I’m here to see you, as a matter of fact.”
Riley stepped back. “Want something to drink?”
“No, sweetie. Not a thing.”
They headed for the living area where both of them sat on the sofa, kicked off their shoes and drew their legs up to the side.
