Page 32 of Royally Benevolent

I poked him playfully in the arm. “You like her because she was nice enough to spoil you with a gift, buddy.”

“She is so pretty, Papa. Like a princess.”

Mom fought laughter, nearly choking.

“Sheisa princess,” I said.

Theo didn’t know what that meant, so he nodded, “Itoldyou, Papa!”

“I know what you are thinking, Mom, and it’s not true. She’s just a friend. A friend I would like to see more of—as a friend.”

“I think he doth protest too much!” Mom grinned.

“A man can be friends with a woman,” I said.

“When is she coming back, Papa?” Theo asked.

“I don’t know, buddy,” I answered. “Hopefully soon. I have to see her at the board meeting next week. She said we could meet up again before that. But I don’t know if you will be up for that.”

My mother shot an I-told-you-so look.

I rolled my eyes—so mature. I didn’t know what to say other than to plead my case again. Odette was myfriend. We were justfriends.

“Theo, go get socks on,” Mom said. “We are going to the grocery.”

Theo grimaced.

“I will let you get a croissant.”

He relented and left to put on his socks. Mom continued staring at me, expecting me to say something more about the not-girlfriend.

“Mom, she’s just a friend. I have fun talking to her. This is a passion project.”

“But you seem to get along with her so well.”

“I do. She asked about Isla. She wanted to know about her. I felt seen in a way I haven’t. She’s lost her parents. She gets it. There isn’t the pity or judgment I find with people. She feels safe to talk to. Is she pretty? I can see just fine, so yes. But that’s not what I’d like you to reduce her to. She’s a kind person, Mom. And she wants to make sure nothing ever happens like it did to Isla. That matters, okay?”

Mom dropped it. “Okay. But if youdidthink she was pretty and wanted to do something about it, I am here to tell you it’s okay. You deserve to be happy. Isla would have wanted you to be?—”

I cut her off. “I am not interested in dating. Theo needs me home. This is a friendship. I think it is good for me. That’s all.”

“Theo loves her,” Mom said. “And she seems to do well with him. There are women out there who will respect your choice to be a parent first, Wy. You don’t have to choose. You can have a fulfilling relationship and be a good father. It would be best if you didn’t choose. It is a disservice to Theo.”

“What?” I cocked my head.

“Children believe in what is modelled for them. He needs to see you in a healthy relationship with someone. If that person is good to you and deserves to be in your life, he should see it.”

“Mom, you were never with anyone.”

“And I don’t think it was healthy to lie. I dated. I did. I busted myass for you all and had to run around to seek human companionship. It led your sister down a string of bad relationships. And you? I am grateful you ended up a little better off. Don’t prize what I went through. We share a common experience of being left to rear children alone, but you have choices. Please don’t make the same one as me. I am here to tell you I wish I had found love again—that I deserved it.”

I shook my head. “It’s not that easy, Mom?—”

“It is,” she said. “You choose happiness. You let in only good people. You show Theo the importance of being selective and loving the right person. Andthatis what Isla would have wanted. And it’s what I wished for you.”

“There is more to it.”

“Like what? How can you get beyond love, respect, kindness, and care for your whole family?”

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