Page 73 of The Reborn

My phone buzzed with a text so I dried my hands on a towel and checked my messages, smiling when I saw Whitney’s name.

Whitney: Hey girl! What are you doing? Hanging out with the hottie?

Me: No. He moved out. Just cooking dinner.

Whitney: What?! Why didn’t you tell me that today? When did he move out? What happened?

Me: He moved out this morning. He was only here temporarily until he got security set up, which he did obviously. It’s no big deal.

I was such a liar.

Whitney: You are such a fucking liar!

Me: Whatever.

Whitney: Don’t whatever me... as your BFF you owe me answers! How about over margaritas on Friday?

I thought about it and decided that sounded fun.

Me: Yes, ma’am. I’ll ask my parents to babysit.

Whitney: Now we’re talkin’!

We hung up and I called my mom to see if they’d mind watching Elizabeth Friday.

“Of course not, sweetheart. You know we always love having her. Why don’t you let her stay here all weekend? Take some time for yourself. Maybe take a spa day or something.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” The idea was tempting. I hadn’t pampered myself like that since I was pregnant.

“Mind? I’ve been waiting for you to ask so I can steal that baby away for our own girl time.” She actually giggled, which made me smile.

“If you’re positive. I don’t want to put you guys out.”

“Olivia Rose Creed. You hush up now. It is not a bother to have that sweet child. Now, you pack her plenty of things and we’ll be by to pick her up Friday afternoon. You can come get her anytime you want to on Sunday, but not too early. I want you to take some real time for yourself.”

“I’ll try.”

“Do more than try.” She paused and I could sense a change in her over the line. “Have you told him how you feel, honey?”

I gaped. “What? Who?”

“You know who. I’m your mother, I can see real feelings for that young man written all over you. Does he know?”

“Mom . . .” I groaned. “It’s complicated.”

“Is it?”

“Yes! He’s...” God, how I wished I could confide the entire truth to her. I felt horrible.

“What, sweetheart? A clueless man? They all are.”

“Maybe,” I hedged, knowing it was so much more than that.

“Well, your father and I trust you to make the best decision. You should trust yourself too, you know. You’re an impressive young woman with a good head on her shoulders and a lot to give someone special.”

“Mom,” I whispered, overcome by her faith in me.

“Maybe he just needs a little nudge in the right direction. Did you ever think of that?”

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