“No, thanks.”
I pull out a bottle of water, then stroll into the living room and drop onto the couch with a sigh. I twist off the cap and swallow a big gulp.
Mom tilts her head. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good,” I lie.
She doesn’t call me on it. Not yet. She just watches me the way moms do when they’ve seen every version of you and know which one is trying too hard.
“How are you?” I ask, forcing my voice to be casual.
“Not too bad. I was a little tired this morning, but nothing to be alarmed about.”
My shoulders loosen a fraction. “That’s good.”
“The new medication is helping,” she adds.
“Yeah?”
“Tremendously.” Her smile is small, but real. “Stephanie was here earlier. We did some PT.”
“So that’s the real reason you look tired.”
“Thanks.” She shoots me a mock glare. “I always wanted a daughter who would tell me I look exhausted.”
I snort, and it’s the first honest sound I’ve made all day.
She leans back, eyes narrowing as if she’s lining up a cue ball. “Alright. Your turn. What’s going on behind those eyes?”
I pick at a thread on my jeans. I could talk about the app. That’s safe. “OneDate hit five hundred subscribers.”
Her face brightens. “Nora! That’s wonderful.”
“I know.” I try to be nonchalant, but pride leaks into my voice anyway. “I’m still working out some minor bugs, but… it’s going really well.”
“That’s incredible. And the bar?”
“It’s… the bar.” I shrug. “Jake is still grumpy, Rylee’s trying to keep order, Lach is constantly texting Eve. But there’s a new guy who started.”
Her tone brightens instantly. “Cute?”
“Unbelievably hot,” I say, because if I’m going to tell the truth, I might as well commit. “Dark hair. Tattoos. Muscles. Former hockey player.”
Mom makes a satisfied little hum. “So… exactly your type.”
“You know me well,” I smirk. “There’s been some minor flirting, but nothing serious.”
She sounds far too pleased. “God forbid there be anything serious.”
“Serious is overrated.”
“Only something my daughter would say.”
“But also,” I blurt too fast, “I did a thing.”
There’s a beat of silence. “A Nora Thing?”
“A Nora Thing,” I confirm, already regretting mentioning it even though my mom is my best friend and I tell her everything.
