Sounds amazing, what are we having?
I sent a devil emoji, making Tiffany groan.
I make a pretty good lasagna, see you around six.
Perfect. It’s odd, but it’s the right thing.
I looked up at Tiffany, who only lifted a brow.
“What?
“He said it’s the right thing.” I grinned as I texted back.
It feels like the right thing.
Chapter 12
Zeb
The last thing I expected was to get a text to come to dinner. Especially with her daughter there. But then again, if this whole thing was going to escalate like I felt it had within the last few days, then we needed to be open and honest with Tiffany. I was not about to let this be hidden from her.
Especially if I really wanted to date her mom, age be damned.
I let out a breath as I knocked on the door, surprised when Tiffany was there, a smile on her face.
“Hi Zeb, come in!” She opened the door wider and the smells wafting at me were heavenly.
“Your mom knows how to cook?”
“Eh, a few things. But we’re going to pretend she’s awesome.”
“Deal.” I held out a small bouquet of flowers for her. “These are for you, little lady.”
“You got me flowers? No one has ever done that before. Mom,” she squealed, running into the kitchen. “Look at the flowers Zeb got for me. Do you think if I pretended I didn’t want you two to be happy he’d buy me like a car to soothe any ruffled feathers?”
“Tiffany, really?” Katie asked, rolling her eyes, but I could tell by the smile on both their faces they were joking. “I mean, you can try. A new truck wouldn’t be bad.”
“Damn, I got to contend with two hustlers?” I held the other bouquet out to Katie. “These are for you.” She grinned as she took them, giving me a chaste kiss on the cheek. “Do you need a hand, or would you mind if I talked to Tiffany?”
“I’m just about done. Why don’t you two go out back.” She gave me another smile, letting me know that it was okay, and that it was great. But Tiffany and I had built another relationship, and I wanted to talk to her one on one.
“Come on Zeb,” she said, taking my hand after she handed the flowers to her mom, “I’ll show you my favorite spot.”
She took me to the backyard and sat on the swing, her gaze up at the evening stars.
“It’s awesome back here,” I told her, watching her for a moment.
“It’s where I come to think, like I told you. I often wished for mom to be happy too. I’ve lost count how many shooting stars I wished on.”
“And you’re okay if I make your mom happy?”
“More than okay, Zeb. Mom and I talked, we’ve always been close. And sure, my dad did her wrong and I know she felt like she was broken. She likes to think I’m too young to see those types of things, but I’m not. Anyway, I think you brought her back to life, even with all your fighting. You should have seen the fire lit in her because of it.”
“I’m glad I could do that. Believe it or not, your mom made me feel things I didn’t think were possible.”
I finally sat down next to her, and she laid her head on my shoulder.
I would never tell Katie about some of the things Tiffany told me, like she was worried her mom wouldn’t ever be happy and how she was glad they moved away. Or like how Tiffany was worried about what would happen when she went to college and her mom was alone. It was great to see the love Tiffany had for her mom, but she was also worrying about things she shouldn’t have.
