Page 41 of Exposed

I sigh. “I’m still at home. I had something come up this afternoon. I’m not leaving today.”

“That’s good. I’d rather you drive after a good night’s sleep.”

I wish. I have a feeling I won’t be sleeping anytime soon. “Yeah, about that...”

“I’ve got your room ready to go. All clean with fresh sheets. I even moved my old purses out of your closet.”

“You didn’t need to do that?—”

“You’re moving home. You’ll need your old closet back.”

“No, what I’m saying is, I’ve decided to delay the move for a bit.”

She pauses, but doesn’t sound mad when she speaks. “You did? What changed your mind?”

The contract might as well be burning a hole through my purse that sits on my lap. I pull it out and stare at it. “Do you remember the last client who I thought was going to fall through?”

Also known as the asshole who lied about who he is and placed me in the exact spot I never wanted to be in ever again.

“I do. The handsome man with the sickly aunt.”

Handsome is an understatement. “It seems the project isn’t off like I thought it was. I’ve decided to see it through.”

“Well,” my mother exclaims with glee. “I knew it would work out. Remember, I said I had a good feeling about him.”

“You did. Go ahead, Mom. You can say it.”

She doesn’t waste a moment. “I told you so.”

The first smile all day touches my lips. “Do you feel better?”

“When you’re right, you’re right. I can’t help my intuition. Younever know, maybe he’s single. It’s about time the wedding bug bit you on the butt.”

I sure feel bit on the butt after today, but not in a good way. “That’s not going to happen with him. He’s the last person I’d want to be with.”

“You’re always a believer in love until it comes to yourself.”

“I’m a believer in love, but I’m particular. I know what I want.”

“I don’t think you do. I thought I knew what I wanted. Turns out your father proved me wrong. You only think you know what you want. Sometimes, that’s not what we need.”

“Interesting coming from you. You never tried love again after the sperm donor.”

She keeps talking like I didn’t just call her out for shunning love for the rest of her life. “I blame myself. It was just you and me. You say you believe in love, but you don’t know how to count on anyone else. You’re just like me, dagnabbit.”

“There are worse things in life than being like you.”

“I’m sitting by myself in a creepy old forest that feels like home. You’re on the beach. Take advantage of it, Goldie. Experience it all.”

“I think it’s safe to say I’m going to experience it all.” I stare down at the contract in my hand and flip the last page. “I need to go. I’ve got a busy week.”

“Call me and tell me about the wedding for that dying aunt.” She pauses and then says, “Huh…”

“Huh what?” I ask.

“I wonder what a woman wants when she faces death in the eye.”

“I’ll let you know,” I mutter and hope I won’t be able to tell her firsthand. “Love you.”

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