Page 81 of The Sweet Spot

She flits from the room, skirt swishing, bangles jangling.

“She’s just like you described,” Luca says, examining a picture of us hanging on the wall. “But younger.”

“I know. She eats well and does yoga a million times a week.” I shrug, looking around the apartment. It’s the same as always, except for a new piece of art hanging over the sofa.

I touch Luca’s elbow. “I’ll be right back.”

Mom’s in her bedroom, sitting on her bed as she buckles a fancy sandal. She smiles up at me. “God, Wren, he’s beautiful. Really beautiful.”

I clap my mouth shut, caught off guard by her gushing.

“You said he swims, right? I can tell by those nice, broad shoulders.” She shudders dramatically, getting to her feet. “You’re still on the pill, right?”

“Oh my God, Mom.”

“Even if you are, use condoms. Always.”

“Stop. Just stop.” I’d tell her we’re not even having sex yet, but it’s none of her business. Besides, I’m not sure how long that’s going to be true.

“I’m just saying—”

“Well don’t,” I snap. “Yes, Luca’s hot, but not so hot that it makes me a total idiot, okay?”

“Sheesh, okay!”

“Anyway, I came back here to say that I really want tonight to go well, okay? Please, just…”

She freezes, looking stricken. “Please just what?”

Taking a deep breath, I say what’s been on my mind since Arlo’s visit last year. It’s not usually in my nature to keep things in, but this whole situation has always felt delicate. “I’m sorry if I’ve put you in a position where you have to deal with Arlo when you never thought you would, but he’s a part of my life now—”

“Wren, I know that,” she interrupts, shaking her head. “Where is this coming from?”

“I don’t know, I just remember when he came over for dinner the last time. You can be a little…passive aggressive.” I start to chew my thumbnail, but then I remember I painted my nails. “When it comes to him.”

Mom looks like she wants to argue, but then her shoulders sink. She glances at her watch. “I’ll be on my best behavior, okay? We should go.”

That will have to do, I guess. We head downstairs to Luca’s car, where my mother insists on riding in the back.

“Mom, come on,” I say, standing outside of the car. “Just ride shotgun. It’s fine.”

“No; you should sit with your beau,” she says. “But hurry it up—or we’ll be late.”

* * *

Arlo is waiting outside the doors as we walk up. His eyes dart to Mom andLuca, brightening when they land on me. He grins, reaching his arm out for a quick hug.

“Hey, Wren.”

“Hey, Arlo.” It’s amazing how quickly we fell into this, as if I’ve known him all my life. “This is my uh…” I falter, realizing Luca and I never discussed our status.Ugh. “Luca.”

Arlo turns to the man at my side, again extending his hand for a shake. “Arlo Janvier.” They’re opposites in many ways—he’s light-eyed and blond whereas Luca’s dark-haired with deep, golden-brown skin—but they’re about the same height. “Glad you joined us tonight.”

“For sure—thanks for having me.” Luca’s eyes crinkle as he smiles. I would pay a hundred bucks to hear what his first impression is so far. Guess I’ll have to wait.

“Hi, Lily,” Arlo says. “How’ve you been?” There’s an easy smile on his face as he looks at my mother, and I wonder how he sees her, if it’s different than last spring. He’s traveled a lot of miles over the decades, encountered lots of different types of personalities. It must give him perspective.

She smiles a bit, dipping her head. “Hi, Arlo. I’ve been all right.”

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