Page 85 of Knot a Good Idea

“About who?”

“Uh, your pack. Duh.”

“She hasn’t said anything to you?” I ask, surprised.

“No. She barely says anything when I ask.”

“It’s because you’re too nosy,” I mutter, but a sense of unease washes over me.

I thought my mom wasn’t still suspicious, but she must be.

But the NDA won’t let me open up to her.

Sandy knows, though. My therapist is bound by confidentiality, and she was more receptive than I imagined she would be.

I’m taking baby steps.

And even if it's fake dating, it’s better than nothing.

But the lines have blurred so much with Liam and Hunter that I’m starting to wonder how much of it is fake anymore.

They send a driver for me.

The shiny black SUV with tinted windows is out of place on my street.

My mom notices it immediately as she peers out the window. “Where are you going?” she asks softly.

“Oh, it’s an art thing,” I tell her. She takes in my appearance—an old baggy sweatshirt and faded light wash jeans.

“And they’re picking you up in that?” She gestures to the window.

“Yup.”

She gives me a look, her eyes narrowing. “So, when will I meet the other two?”

“Um, whenever they have time.”

She continues to stare at me. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, April?”

I nod. “I do. I promise.”

But she doesn’t believe me. Despite Hunter spending the night at the house and her smiling and laughing while he’s around, she’s still suspicious.

“Well, have a good time,” she sighs.

“I will.”

I hate the awkwardness around my mom.

Why can’t she just be happy for me?

Isn’t this what she wanted for me?

Isn’t this what everyone wanted? For me to get out again, to be social?

I stuff my anger down, knowing it’s pointless to lash out at her.

I also don’t want to be in a foul mood when I see the pack.

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