Page 272 of Dark Love

Mom rolls her eyes.

“—I also got invited to two luncheons, a dinner party, and an engagement party.”

“Good. I better head to bed. Your father’s waiting for me.”

What? But she didn’t ask a single question about Max? “Mom?”

“Yes?”

“You aren’t going to ask me about Max?”

“Why would I?”

My eyes feel like they’re going to pop out of my skull. “Wasn’t this whole thing so you could get to know him?”

Mom laughs. “No. This whole thing was so that I could assure myself and your father that you are safe, making friends, and most of all making progress with your mental health. It doesn’t matter to either of us if you fall in love as long as you’re happy and healthy.”

WHAT?

She walks over and leans down to give me a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Does that mean you’re canceling the clubhouse reservation?”

Mom stands up with a laugh. “Absolutely not. I’ve got hope that the right one will come around. Even if it isn’t Hope’s father.” She stops at the stairs and turns back to me. “Though it wouldn’t have been terrible to have a granddaughter or a billionaire in the family.”

“You knew?”

“Of course I knew.”

If only she really did know everything, all of this would be so much easier. It’s nice to hear Vex’s insane amount of money wouldn’t be a stumbling block.

I glance down at the phone.

Why am I waiting for him to message me?

Me: The party is over. Everyone left.

Vex: Did you have a nice time?

Three for three.

Me: I did. But I missed you.

Me: How was your day?

Vex: Terrible without you.

Me: My parents are leaving early tomorrow morning.

Vex: Have breakfast with me and call in for work.

It’s tempting to say yes.

Me: Yes and no.

Time to distract him.

Me: We got invited to a baseball game next weekend.

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