Page 135 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

“God, I love you,” Mom says.

I pat her hand. “I know, and I love you, too.” I recognize my relationship with my mom is not like most of my friend’s relationships with their parents. Is it awkward sometimes? Sure. But life is a lot of awkwardness. If I can’t handle awkward with my only parent, then I’m screwed. “Anyway, I appreciate your concern for my mental well-being, but I’ve been reading raunchy romance novels since I turned thirteen. Would it have been preferable to meet your boyfriend’s face before his butt? Sure, but that’s not how it went down. Hence, we should figure out a Bat Signal, so our next introduction is a face one.” I pull the scrunchie from my hair. “This can be our signal. If there’s a scrunchie on the door, then I know there’s something going on. And obviously in the future, when I’m planning a sleepover at a friend’s, I will now assume you’re planning one with Sidney.”

Mom purses her lips. “This feels like bad modeling.”

“Why? We’re just trying to prevent awkward and potentially scarring future scenarios. But if you feel really bad about it, you can always take me to the Waffle House to make up for it.” They have the best chocolate chip waffles in the world.

Mom pats my knee. “Come on then.”

Chapter Twelve

Let’s All Get Along

Skye

Two weeks post our botched date first, Violet-coming-home-during-first-time-sexing, Violet is finally ready to meet Sidney. We decide to keep it brief. He’s picking me up for a dinner date. It’s the middle of the week and Violet has a physics test tomorrow, so she’s spread out over the kitchen table with a bowl of Swedish Fish and her notebook.

She glances up when my heels click on the kitchen floor and whistles. “Looking good. Those jeans are great.”

“We’re going casual. I can bring you back something from the restaurant.”

“Nah. I’ll make myself ramen in a bit.”

The doorbell rings.

I run my sweaty palms over my hips. “Are you ready to meet him?”

She tips her head. “Are you ready for me to meet him?”

“Yes. I think so. Yes.”

“Take a breath, Mom. It’ll be fine.”

This is the first time I’ve introduced someone to Violet in over five years. The last guy wasn’t bad, but they didn’t click the way I’d hoped. And that was the end of him. I really like Sidney. He’s stable, a dedicated father, and a lot of fun to be around. And amazing in bed.

“I’ll let him in.”

“Should I stay here or? —” Violet taps her pencil on the table.

“I’ll bring him to you.”

“Okay.”

I rush down the hall and throw the door open. Sidney’s finger is poised over the doorbell. He’s wearing a pair of gray casual pants and a golf shirt that hugs his deliciously firm biceps. “Hey. Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

His gaze drops to my feet and climbs my body on a slow, heated sweep. “Totally worth it.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in for a kiss. “Hi.”

I loop my arms around his neck. “Hi, yourself.”

“You look incredible in jeans.”

“You look incredible. Full stop.”

We grin at each other.

“Ready to go?” he asks, voice low and husky.

“I just need to grab my purse.” I swallow down my nerves. “And I thought maybe I could introduce you to Violet.”

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