Page 51 of Mine

“It wouldn’t help,” Ryan said.

“They introduced themselves,” Olivia said. “I see you’re happy they’re here.”

“Yes,” Annabel said. “Now who needs to do what? Andrew?”

“Mom needs to come out of the kitchen and let the men handle it,” Olivia teased.

“Your mother’s very good at specific tasks in the kitchen,” Ryan diplomatically informed.

“Ordering and setting a pretty table,” Annabel laughed.

“You manage other things, but I still remember the fire one Thanksgiving,” Olivia teased.

“Oh, I need to hear that story,” Andrew leaned on the counter.

“I might be willing to tell you,” Olivia said. “Can I have wine with dinner?”

“You’re not twenty one yet,” Andrew turned to Annabel.

“We’ll discuss it,” Annabel said.

“Oh, you did not just pull out your stock answer for no without saying no,” Olivia laughed. “Fine, but dinner better be good.”

“Areyou having sex with them while I’m here,” Olivia asked.

“I don’t know,” Annabel watched her two men walk to her bedroom. “Would it bother you to know we did?”

“I like them,” Olivia confessed. “I don’t want to know what goes on in your bedroom. Though I intend to tease you about the two hunks you’re sleeping with.”

“I won’t be sharing what happens in my bedroom, just as I don’t expect you to share what happens in your bedroom,” Annabel said. “Does it bother you there are two?”

“It was a little odd to begin with but I see how they are with you,” Olivia said. “It’s so natural and comfortable. How are you handling the media?”

“Not at this point,” Annabel confessed. “They you saw the one blog.”

“Nothing’s come of it,” Olivia said. “I’m not giving you my stamp of approval yet but so far so good.”

“But you’re not telling me to boot them out of my place either,” Annabel said.

“Nope,” Olivia said. “I’m headed to bed. Mom.”

“What?”

“Enjoy them. I like what I see so far.”

Annabel rose with her daughter and hugged her. Her heart felt a lot lighter as she watched her daughter walk to the opposite side of the apartment.

“So, Olivia gave you tentative approval,”Charles smirked as he sat down to their Monday morning one on one. “Does it help?”

“She doesn’t hate them,” Annabel frowned.

Charles shook his finger, “Uh ahhh. You said she liked them so far.”

“It does help,” Annabel admitted. “It feels like things fell into place.”

“How’s it going with them having access to your place,” Charles asked.

“They’ve given me keys to their places,” Annabel smiled. “It took me by surprise.”

---