Page 56 of The Best Number

“True.” Sandra smirks. “But that could be fun, too.” She winks at her husband and we all fall about laughing.

Jack takes a moment to catch up, but then gives in and laughs along with us. It’s clear to see that his mother is just as cheeky as he is.

Business in the bar picks up, and Tom excuses himself. We order food and enjoy the big sharing plates when they come out of the kitchen. Tom wanders over to steal some chips from my plate. It feels comfortable and I realise that, even though I was incredibly nervous about meeting Jack’s parents, it was the right thing to do. Mel was right too. I don’t need some arbitrary approval from my ex. I get to decide when it’s time to move on. And I’m ready to go all in.

Chapter twenty-five

Jack

Once we finish eating, we continue to chat over another drink before my dad starts making noises about heading home. He gives Mum a resigned look. “Come on, Sandra. Let the young ones have their evening. That dancing show you like is on tonight.”

My mum seems reluctant to leave but eventually wraps each of us in a hug, even going behind the bar to grab Tom too. Dad waits patiently, familiar with her long goodbyes, a twinkle in his eye as he watches her. As she comes back, she tugs on my arm, gesturing towards the entrance.

“Just grabbing him for a moment, Cassidy, and then he’s all yours. And Tom’s,” she tells Cass with a wink.

Cassidy smiles back. “I’ll get some more drinks.” She gets up to head Tom’s way. Dad follows our slow progress to the door.

When we stop, Mum’s arms surround me again.

“We’ve already done the hug, Mum. You don’t want to miss your show.” She clasps my cheeks in her hands, looking me dead in the eye.

“I’m so pleased you’re happy. I can see it in your eyes.”

I hold back the eye roll, realising that it’s because she cares.

“Cassidy is gorgeous and you know I love Tom. I want this to work for you, Jack.”

I nod with a smile, my eyes flicking to see Tom and Cassidy chatting, heads close together over the bar. A few weeks ago, envy might have kicked in, but now I’m just eager to join them and check in after the meeting with my parents. I snap my gaze back to Mum when I realise she’s still talking.

“You need to open up. Tell them about Claire and the engagement. They need to know where you’re coming from.”

I heave a sigh. “I know. I’ve been thinking about that for a while.”

“It’ll do you good to open up. I don’t think you properly processed it all at the time. That’s why you never committed before now.”

How does she know all this? I thought I’d kept my love life… okay, sex life, on the down low.

“I’ll speak to them. Thanks, Mum. Thanks to both of you.” I glance my dad’s way. “Your unwavering support, even when I choose a less travelled path, means the world to me.” I bend to kiss my mum on the cheek, noticing the tears welling in her eyes.

“Come on, love. See you soon, son. Be happy.” My dad slings his arm round Mum’s shoulders, gives me a wink and I watch as they head out the bar.

Once they’re out of sight, I head over to my lovers to get the verdict.

“Jack.” Cassidy smothers me with a tight hug. “I love your parents. Can I keep them?”

“Sure thing, doll.”

“I mean it. My parents are okay, but they really don’t get me. My brother is their golden child and I don’t get a look in. They think that I’m going to hell for writing smut. And keep trying to convince me to get a ‘nice little office job’. Urgh.” I laugh as she rolls her eyes dramatically.

“They adored you, Cass. And your job is fucking awesome. Don’t let anyone say otherwise.”

A hand presses against my back and I look over to see Tom, a questioning look on his face. “All good?” he asks.

“Yeah, it is. I could actually do with a quiet chat with both of you. Do you have time?”

“Yeah, all good. Head back to my office.” He pulls a key from his pocket, placing it on the bar in front of me. “I’ll let Abby know and meet you there.”

I entwine my fingers with Cassidy’s and we walk the short distance to Tom’s office. It’s a tiny box of a room with a bookcase stuffed with files and filing boxes in the corner, and a desk taking up most of the space. There’s a high-backed office chair behind the desk and two plastic chairs stacked on top of each other near the door. I unstack the chairs, placing them next to each other.

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