Page 29 of Fast

“How was it even possible for you to withdraw my application without my knowledge? I’m eighteen now and they should have needed my signature to do that.” I say, struggling to hide my irritation.

Mom keeps her composure. “Because I was the one paying for your tuition and your housing expenses.”

“You and Dad.” I correct her.

She rolls her eyes, the line of her lips tightening with obvious chagrin. “Yes, me and your dad.”

Unbelievable. My parents have been divorced for a decade now, and I can’t even mention my dad without her getting upset.

I try to appease her practical side. “Mom, it’s not that I don’t want to live with you,” that isn’t a complete lie, but I don’t want to argue with her if I admit that I was excited about living on campus. “If you’re downsizing though?—”

“I’m not downsizing. You’re going to have your own room and even your own bathroom.”

That makes me feel partially relieved. “I am? Wow, this mayor must be paying you really well.”

She takes my hand again. “Zara, can you let me finish what I’ve been trying to tell you since the second you walked in the door?”

I sigh. “Yes, sorry. Go ahead.”

Mom smiles. “It’s ok. You babble when you’re nervous. You get that from me. Scott and I worked very closely on his campaign. There were a lot of weekends and evening events, and I started spending more time in Star Cove than here. We spent so much time together that our professional relationship evolvedinto a friendship. And then somewhere along the way, it became something more.”

No fucking way.

My mom is banging her boss. My surprise must be written all over my face. “You’re dating your boss?”

She becomes immediately defensive. “There’s nothing wrong with that. We’re two consenting adults, and?—”

“Mom, I know that. Look, that came out wrong. I know what Dad put you through while you were married. I’m glad you’re dating again. I don’t think you’ve been seeing anyone over the years since the divorce.”

“Because I haven’t.” She confirms.

“Ok, then. As long as this mayor boyfriend of yours isn’t married or old enough to be my grandfather, I’m happy for you.”

Mom barks out a shocked laugh. “He’s not married! Zara, you just mentioned what your father put me through. I’ve always tried not to involve you in the specifics of why our marriage ended. But mostly it was the lies, the cheating. Your father was unfaithful to me pretty much constantly. It really hurt me, it destroyed my self-esteem. I could never do that to another woman.”

I respect that. “Good.” It’s my turn to take her hand and squeeze it. “As long as he isn’t married, and he isn’t eighty-five, I’m happy for you.”

She rolls her eyes. “He isn’t eighty-five. He’s five years older than me. He lost his wife to an illness when his kids were young. I’ve never met anyone like him, Zara. After your dad, I didn’t think I would fall in love again. At least not that kind of passionate love, where you can’t keep your hands off each other and?—”

“Mom!” I let go of her hand to cover my eyes. “Eww. Stop. I’m happy for you but T.M.I. I’m going to have to wash my eyes with soap to get rid of the picture you just put in my head.”

She giggles.

Whatever this new boyfriend is doing, I think I already like him. I haven’t seen Mom so happy since forever. Since Dad.

“Ok.” I nod when we get our laughter under control. “So you’re moving to Star Cove to live closer to him. And you’re renting a house where I can have my own room and my own bathroom? I guess I could live with that if it’s ten minutes away from campus.”

Mom’s expression turns serious. “No, I’m not renting anywhere. This is what I’ve been trying to tell you. Scott has a huge house in the nicest neighborhood in town. We’ll be moving in with him.”

Oh.

That changes things. “You guys must be really serious if he’s asked you to move in. Look Mom, I don’t mean this in a disrespectful way. But do you really want me around permanently? Moving in with a new man is a lot of change. I don’t mind visiting some weekends, but wouldn’t it be easier for everyone if I lived on campus until the two of you are settled and I’ve had a chance to get to know your boyfriend?”

I think I’m being reasonable, but my mother hasn’t spilled all the beans.

“We’ve already canceled your application for a campus accommodation, Zara. Scot has two kids. One is your age. He’s starting at Star Cove College too this fall. He’s going to live at home. We would really like to be a family.”

The idea of a dorm on campus sounds better with every single word she adds. “I don’t know, Mom. Now there’s a son too? Don’t you think this is moving way too fast?”

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