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Case in point, the argument about me moving in with Grayson instead of her. It would take anyone five minutes with my mother to understand why I wouldn’t want to move back in with her.

She doesn’t even know that Grayson and I are dating. She just thinks I’m staying with him because we’ve been best friends for so long.

It’s still a little hard to fathom that he wants more than friendship with me. This whole week has been like a dream. He dotes on me just as much as he always has, but he’s a whole lot freer with his affection. It’s made me see our years of friendship in a different light. He’s always treated me like a princess, and I was an idiot not to realize it was because he had feelings for me instead of just going above and beyond the typical role of a best friend.

I think I ignored all the signs because it would’ve been a betrayal of the man I married. In the end, he didn’t deserve my loyalty, but I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I’d allowed any of my subconscious thoughts about Grayson to flourish.

“How’s the new job, Ky?” Jacob asks, trying to change the subject.

“New job?” Mom frowns.

“I told you I started working at Holt Basil’s law office. It’s been incredible—challenging in the best ways. Beverly has already dropped down to part-time. I think she’s going to stick around for the next month and then officially retire.”

Holt gave me the whole day off, even though I only needed half for my OB appointment today. I convinced Jacob to take an hour off from his job as well so I wouldn’t have to meet with Mom on my own. It’s better for me to have a reason to leave as soon as possible when I stop by her house.

Jacob smiles. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Holt’s a good guy.”

“Yes, he is. I’m grateful he was willing to take a chance on me.”

“I suppose if you have to work, he’s respectable enough. I wish he’d marry that woman he’s dating though. I can’t believe Muriel and Stan okayed them living together when they aren’t married, especially with those two impressionable little girls Holt has.”

“Holt and Gia don’t have to be married to have a committed relationship. I’m more than proof that a wedding ring doesn’t keep people honest or loyal,” I point out.

She harrumphs, which is her way of saying she doesn’t agree but can’t exactly argue the point.

She wasn’t always this rigid or judgmental. Dad was the only one who could get her to see reason when she got in a tizzy. After he died, she stopped filtering herself, and now no one can change her mind about anything.

I can’t imagine how she’ll be if Jacob ever finds a partner he wants us to meet. The girls he introduced us to in high school were never good enough in Mom’s loud opinion, and that was before she lost her sense of decorum.

“You should be careful of being on your feet for too long,” Mom says. “Swollen ankles are unsightly.”

I take a deep breath, letting it out audibly from my nostrils. “On that note, I’m going to go. I’ve got an OB appointment in Caulfield in an hour.”

“You haven’t finished your tea,” Mom argues.

I stand and kiss her on the cheek. “That stuff tastes like dirt and sadness, Mom. Please don’t make it for me again.”

Jacob snorts and stands with me, kissing Mom as well. “I’ll walk you out. See you later, Mom.”

We don’t speak until we’re outside. “Are you actually okay staying with Reed? I’m sure we can find a different option. I’ll chip in on rent if you need me to.”

I hook my arm through Jacob’s. “I’m great. In fact, I’m being selfish by staying.”

“What does that mean?”

I just raise an eyebrow at him instead of responding.

“Well, hot damn. Reed finally made a move on you.”

A startled laugh bursts out. “I’ll have you know I made the first move.”

Jacob opens my car door with a grin. “As long as you’re happy.”

“I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

He scans my face. “I can see that. Love you, Ky. Let me know how the appointment goes.”

“Love you too. And you know I’ll spam you with pics.”