Page 115 of Capri

“Sounds perfect.”

36

CAPRI

I didn’t expectmy parents to hate Jones or anything, but I definitely wasn’t expecting them to love him this much.

No questions asked about our sudden relationship.

No wondering how.

Just acceptance.

They know the full story of how we met because Jones lovingly told them.

No concern.It’s strange.

It’s like they can see what I couldn’t.

How equally matched we are. We make a good team.

“Jones, honey, you’ll have to take us for a sail next time we come to visit,” Mom says, her smile so big it seems fake.

“Anytime. I’d like that,” he tells her respectfully.

The man has an effortless charm that welcomes everyone around him.

Except my creeping ex-husband, it seems.

I should have asked, but I didn’t even think about it, more focused on bringing Jones as my date.

Drew was a part of my family for years, and although Mariah and I aren’t super close in this current phase of our lives, she knew I was married.

Keyword: was.

I am surprised Vivian isn’t hanging off his side like the little leech she is. Last I heard, she was still working at the hospital. Not sure how that works, given she’s the farthest thing from compassionate.

Multiple times tonight, I’ve caught Drew nodding his head at me, trying to pull me aside to talk. I’ve ignored him every time.

I know Jones has seen it, too; his eyes are never not on me. He hasn’t said anything, and I love him for that. Love that he respects my choices as my own person and trusts I’m capable of handling it.

However, I know all I need to do is say the word, and he would take care of Drew in a second. No questions asked.

“Jones fits in nicely,” Mom says, joining me by the cocktail table.

I find him on the dance floor, dancing with Collie and Mikey, her date.

A smile ghosts my face. “Yeah…he really does.” Jones has no trouble being the third wheel while dancing in circles around them, his large frame all I see.

“How old is he again?” Mom asks.

I cock my head. “Thirty-nine. Why?”

She shrugs. “Just wondering. He seems very mature. Much different then Drew.” There’s nothing callous in her voice. Honestly, she seems appreciative of it.

“Ever think that’s a good thing? There’s a reason Drew and I didn’t work, Mom.” I send her a soft smile. “He makes me happy.”

Our relationship has always been hot or cold. But right now, it feels like Mom is seeing me in a new light since my divorce. Like I’m more than the daughter who got cheated on and wound up alone.

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