Page 58 of About That Night

I’m a little stunned by the ferocity with which she’s speaking.

“I…” I can’t say it out loud. It sounds like I’m still clinging to a teenage crush.

“I’m not trying to upset you. Or push you. It’s your life, I know, I know.”

“I’m not upset. Though it is starting to feel like you think I’m too boring to be around.” I’m a little hurt, but at the same time, she’s young, she’s fun. She wants to go out and meet people, and she should. “Do you want to find your own place? Do you need space from me?”

She sighs. “I don’t think you’re boring. I love you. You’re my best friend. Hell, you’re family. And I love Josiah.”

“I know that.”

“But maybe once I have a little more money, it’s not a bad idea for me to find my own place. If we’re both going to be dating”—she gives me a pointed look—”we need more privacy.”

I swallow hard. I know this is right for Nevaeh, but it still makes me sad. “I understand. I’m going to miss you, but you need more excitement in your life. I get it.”

“I feel very restless. I don’t like this feeling at all.”

“Not having a job probably doesn’t help.”

“It doesn’t. I’m bored and broke. It’s a shitty combination.”

“That is a very bad combination. I’ve always been broke, but I’ve never had time to be bored.”

“It’s how I usually get in trouble.”

“Don’t do anything crazy.”

She grins. “I probably won’t. But I’m not making any promises.”

“Please don’t. You know that gives me heartburn.”

She laughs. “You are such a mom. And I mean that in the best way possible.”

I roll my eyes. “I am what I am. So aside from the fact that you’re…restless with Parker, is everything else with her going well?”

“I like her a lot,” she admits. “Which is scary.”

“Uh…how about you just enjoy it? Have fun? Take your own advice you gave me?” I’m thrilled for her. “You’ve put your life on hold to help me, and I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate that and you.” I reach out and give her a hug, even though she’s not a hugger.

“I didn’t put anything on hold,” she protests. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so nothing was being held up.”

“Well, whatever you want to call it, I’m happy if you’re happy.” I give a sigh. “Everything is changing. Josiah starting preschool, you moving out soon.”

“You falling in love with Hank Young…”

That makes me laugh. I mean it to sound casual, but the sound is a little louder than I intend. “Hey, do I think I should bake Hank cookies?” I ask. “I would if it was Mr. Boucher. I want it to be friendly, normal.”

“I think you should suck his dick, but that’s me.”

I laugh. “Stop! That’s so…”

“So what?”

“I don’t know. Intriguing.” I wonder if Hank is into that, then realize that’s a stupid question. I can assume most men are into that. “You know I have never actually done that.”

“I know. I can’t believe you’re the mother of a four-year-old, and you’ve never had a man in your mouth.”

“It’s called a cruel irony.”

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