Page 139 of Strictly the Worst

I start laughing. I can’t help it. “Sometimes I can’t decide if you’re my daughter or my mother.”

“Tonight I’m your daughter. Because I can’t afford to pay for dinner.”

Linc walks back in right as I’m signing the check. He frowns. “This was supposed to be my treat.”

“It’s okay,” I tell him. “I’m just trying to buy your affection.”

“By affection she means sex,” Zoe says.

I shoot her a look. There are some things kids can’t say out loud. This is definitely one of them.

“Sorry.” But she doesn’t look it.

Linc grins. “Come on. Let’s get you both home.”

The family comes out of the kitchen and Linc hugs them all, before they swamp Zoe and I with hugs, too. The granddaughter gives Zoe the bag with the box of cannolis, and then the three of us walk outside into the early evening air.

Linc puts one arm around my shoulders, and the other around Zoe’s as we walk to his car that’s parked up the street.

To a casual bystander we must look like any other normal family. Eating early, then heading home for the evening.

“What did Roman have to say?” I ask him. In the excitement of leaving, I’d forgotten to ask about his phone call.

“He just wanted to update me on how the European office is going.”

I look up at him. “And?”

He smiles softly. “And he’s happy with the new guy. He’s already bringing in new business.”

“That’s fantastic.”

“So do we get to move in with you now?” Zoe asks. “Because I seriously need to start packing if we do. I have a lot of stuff.”

“That depends on your mom. Whether she’s ready.” His voice is even. He’s not making this a big thing, which I appreciate so much.

In another month I should have the remodel finished. The kitchen is already underway. Whatever happens, I’m going to keep it. Linc wants me to as well. I’ll either rent it out, or he can move in with us.

It’s my choice. That’s what he says.

But the idea of this big man having to share my small bed and the three of us all trying to use the bathroom or get breakfast together in the morning just doesn’t make sense. Not when his apartment is so much bigger.

My one reservation is Zoe. But she’s right. I have five more years of her, and then she’ll be grown. I can’t be leaning on her to be my support. Not the way Linc’s mom did with him.

“Mom?” Zoe says. And I realize we’ve reached Linc’s car. She’s standing in front of us. Linc’s arm is still around my shoulders.

“Sorry.” I smile at her. “I was just thinking.”

“I know.” She rolls her eyes. “Have you stopped now?”

“Yeah,” I say. “I have.”

“Good. So are we moving in with Linc or not?”

I look at the man who’s changed my life. The one who I know will be there for me and Zoe, no matter what. His gaze is easy, but I can tell he wants to know, too.

So for once I put my heart before my head.

“Yes,” I say firmly. “We are.”

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