Page 40 of Small Town CEO Grump

“I know,” my mom said. “When he talked to us about wanting to marry you, your dad and I had even asked him about future family plans, and if he wanted to have children. We knew how important it was to you, and we wanted to make sure it would be a good match. He told us that he was excited to have a family. He even said that he had been an only child growing up and didn’t like that, and so that’s why he was excited to have a larger family.”

I shook my head. I didn’t like thinking about my ex, because it hurt. I had gone to therapy for a few years and I had worked really hard to get to a healthy place, but whenever I let myself think about the past too much it stung.

“Jenna,” my mom said, her voice bringing me back to the present. “You need to realize that Ryan is not him. And you’re right, you haven’t dated since then. And I know that you say you really haven’t had the opportunity, but there have been men who have asked you out.”

“I know,” I replied. “You are right. Men have asked me out, but I always turn them down.”

My mom chuckled. “I know. Two of them were sons of my friends. I heard all about it.”

I cringed. “That’s right,” I said, sheepishly. “I’m sorry if that made things awkward for you!”

“Don’t worry about it,” my mom said. “We put it behind us. But, this time you didn’t turn Ryan down. You agreed. He asked you out, and you agreed to go with him. And I saw the two of you at our house the other night. He obviously really likes you, and you seem to really like him, also.”

Even though my mom couldn’t see me, I nodded. “I do like him,” I said, softly.

“So he is different from the rest. There’s something about him that makes you willing to give him the shot,” my mom said.

“Again, you’re right.” I smiled. “He is different from the others. And I am looking forward to the date. I just had to work all of that out first.”

“Yes, and it’s totally understandable you were feeling this way,” my mom said. “But you just need to realize that Ryan is a good man, and you are going with your gut on this one and giving him a shot. I think it’s an excellent decision, and I know your dad agrees with me.”

“You and dad talk about this?”

I felt completely embarrassed at the thought of my parents sitting around talking about me and my love life.

“Of course we do!” my mom said, sounding almost insulted that I would question her about that.

I laughed. “Okay, well I’m embarrassed, but I get it. I guess I will let you get back to your book, I will get back to mine. Thank you for talking with me and helping me figure all of this out. I feel so much better than I did.”

“I am so glad,” she answered. “And I will see you on Saturday when you bring Tyler over here!”

“All right, thank you mom!” I said.

I hung up the phone, and picked up my book.

I truly did feel a lot better, and I also knew that I had to finish the book that day. The rest of the week I was going to spend getting ready for my new job with the newspaper.

With the concern about the date out of my head, I quickly became engrossed in the book. The next thing I knew it was time to pick Tyler up from school.

We got home and he finished his homework while I finished my book. That night we enjoyed a comfortable dinner, and we’re able to relax and watch some television together before he went to bed. He didn’t have baseball practice, and I didn’t have any work to worry about, so we were able to just enjoy a rare peaceful evening.

The next day, after I took Tyler to school, I went to go and get myself pampered. I was splurging and having a spa day. I was going to get a massage, a facial, and a pedicure. I knew that was just the boost that I needed before starting my new job, and I saw it as a way of rewarding myself for everything that was happening, and how hard I worked to get there.

Five hours later, I came home from the spa, feeling completely relaxed. My toes were sparkling pink, my skin was glowing, and I felt completely relaxed.

As I walked up to my front door, I was surprised to see a bouquet of pink roses on my doorstep.

I smiled, and couldn’t help but blush as I read the note that was attached to the flowers.

Hey Jenna! The office is not the same without you, but I am so excited for what this means for you. I am also very, very excited about our date on Saturday. I won’t tell you how long I’ve been looking forward to it, but just know that it’s been more than a week. - Ryan.

I took the flowers inside and set them on the counter in the kitchen. They were absolutely beautiful, and it was such a sweet gesture.

I had to admit that I had missed him. I had grown accustomed to seeing him every day, and it felt weird to not talk with him several times throughout the day.

I picked up my phone and sent him a text.

Hello! Thank you so much for the flowers. They are absolutely beautiful! I am looking forward to Saturday, too. See you then!

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