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Dad pops into the frame and waves. “How’s my baby girl?”

I laugh. “Hey, Dad. I miss you too.”

“When are you moving back to Minnesota? You’re too far away, don’t you know?” Dad asks with a wink.

I roll my eyes. “I know. I know. If only there were some job openings for political assistants there.”

Dad chuckles. “Okay, I’ll let you two beautiful ladies chat. Love you, Mel.”

“Love you too, Dad!” I wave and he grins.

Once it’s just me and Mom, she studies me through the screen. “What’s on your mind? I can tell there’s something you want to talk about.”

I nod. “I can never hide anything from you, can I?”

“Nope, it’s a mother’s superpower, reading her children.” She smirks and slides her glasses down to the tip of her nose. “This doesn’t happen to be about a certain Weston Kershaw, does it?”

My eyes narrow at her but she just keeps smiling. “How did you know?”

“His mother told me you two had coffee.”

Of course our moms have already talked about this. I resist rolling my eyes. “Yeah, we did. Well, tea for me. But he also had me over for dinner.”

“And?” She leans toward the screen like she’s on the edge of her seat.

I bite my bottom lip. “He basically told me he’s always loved me.” I hug the pillow tight and wait for her response.

“Well, it’s about time he admitted it.” She blows out a deep breath. “You know, boys’ brains don’t finish developing until they’re twenty-five. So it would make sense he finally figured things out now.”

I’m going to have to Google that later and see if it’s true. I bet it is.

“But Mom…” I pause.

“What’s the matter?” Her eyebrows furrow in concern.

“I’m worried my anxiety mixed with West’s lifestyle is a recipe for disaster. I mean, I almost had a panic attack when people were taking photos of us at that cafe.” I sigh. “Oh, and the women that fawn all over him. What if I can’t handle it?”

“Melanie, you’ve always been able to do anything you put your mind to. Sure, you can be structured, but you’re also determined. If it’s West you want, you’ll find a way.” She smiles at me the way she always has, the smile that seems to make everything okay.

“I do want West.”

Her smile grows, making her cheeks push her glasses up slightly. “You can bring some stability into his chaos. I think you could help each other grow.”

I laugh. “I hope you’re right.”

Mom nods and we continue chatting for a few minutes before she has to leave for her book club. We end the call and I’m feeling more confident about what I want to say to West tomorrow.

* * *

The next day, I’m a total wreck at work. I spilled coffee on my shirt, sent an email to Madden that was supposed to go to the senator of Indiana, and put an appointment into Madden’s schedule at the wrong time—causing him to miss said appointment.

He seems more concerned about my well-being than he is upset by my mistakes. I’ve had to assure him numerous times that I’m alright and I don’t need to take a sick day.

When it’s finally six p.m., I gather my things and say goodbye to Madden. I walk a few blocks to my favorite restaurant to pick up my to-go order of chicken quinoa bowls for dinner. This place uses all organic and free range ingredients, so nothing that should trigger my anxiety. West made dinner last time, so I’m taking care of dinner tonight. I’d cook something, but it’s already past six and I’m not even home yet.

Thirty minutes later, I’m walking into my apartment. It’s quiet since Noel teaches an evening class once a week. I made sure to clean and tidy the place up last night so it would look decent when West arrived. Not that it was ever messy to begin with. I mostly just had to pick up Noel’s things and toss them in her room. Okay, I didn’t toss them in there; I put everything away neatly. I couldn’t help it.

Looking at the clock in the kitchen, I calculate how much time I have to change out of my coffee-stained shirt from work. Eight minutes. Perfect. I rush back to my room, take off my work clothes, and pull on some black leggings, a grey v-neck tee, and a plaid button-down. I glance in the mirror and give my hair a little fluff and freshen up my lipstick. A knock comes from the front door and my stomach flips.