Page 8 of Happily Ever After

Milo moved straight to Maple and began to sniff her thoroughly.

“I see that.” Essie gave his back a scratch as he went by. Maple seemed fine with his attention and the pair soon took off running together. Essie turned toward Maude. “How are you?”

Maude shrugged as she watched the dogs romp. “I’m fine.”

Essie waited a moment. Years of marriage and motherhood had taught her that fine usually meant something else entirely. Not to mention, Maude’s tone hadn’t been all that convincing.

Maple and Milo were drinking out of the dog fountain together. Essie took that as a good sign.

“And how are things with Nolan?” she asked.

Maude’s mouth flattened slightly. “That obvious?”

Essie smiled. “A little.”

Maude sighed and leaned back against the fence. “He’s polite enough, but distant. I don’t think he dislikes me, but I’m not sure he likes me, either. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. Or maybe he thinks the last thing his father needs is another woman in his life.”

“All of that sounds about right for a teenager,” Essie said.

Maude shot her a look. “That’s not comforting.”

“I know. But it’s true.” Essie laughed softly as she gestured toward the closest bench. “Come on, let’s have a seat.”

Maude joined her, then folded her arms, her gaze on the dogs. “I keep trying to talk to him, but every conversation feels like I’m stepping into unknown territory. One wrong word and he shuts down.”

“About Ollie?” Essie asked.

“About anything.” Maude paused. “And he definitely doesn’t ask any questions in return.”

Essie considered that. “Teenagers are generally focused inward. Their worlds are very small,” she said. “What they do best with is consistency. And space. And routine. Preferably at the same time.”

Maude let out a short breath. “That sounds impossible.”

“It feels that way,” Essie agreed. “But it mostly means not forcing anything while still making yourself available. Letting him see you’re not going anywhere. Teenagers take work.”

Maude glanced at Essie and nodded slowly. “You can say that again. I really don’t want to overstep.”

“You won’t,” Essie said. “Not if you listen more than you talk.” The dogs were near the middle of the dog park, laying down. Milo had settled near Maple, content to relax and watch the world go by. It was sweet.

Maude looked at the dogs. “I’m not great at silence.”

Essie smiled. “Neither was I. But being the principal of a middle school meant I had to learn. Trust me, kids will teach you.”

Maude was quiet, then glanced over again. “You’re good at this,” she said. “Is that because of your job or because of your own kids? Couldn’t have been easy when your first husband passed.”

Essie felt that familiar ache, brief and manageable. “It wasn’t and I made plenty of mistakes,” she said. “Still do. Look at Sophie.”

“But she’s a grown woman. And you’ve still been there for her. Not your fault she hasn’t let you in,” Maude said.

Essie shrugged. “I guess.”

“It’s not on you, Essie.”

With Milo in tow, Maple trotted back over, tongue hanging out of her mouth, clearly pleased with herself. Essie reached down to rub her chest, grateful for the simple, solid presence of her.

Milo sat by Maude’s feet. She smiled faintly. “I guess I can try patience,” she said. “And more listening.”

Essie gave her a smile. “The good news is you don’t have to master it today.”