Page 43 of Power

“Just a few months.” Things had escalated quickly in the few short weeks that I had known him.

“And I’m just hearing about this now?” She sounded a little offended that I’d kept the news from her.

“I’m not so sure he’s the right person for me.” I kept my gaze low to avoid eye contact with the woman who could read me like a book.

Concern washed over her face. “Why do you say that?”

I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t tell her about his criminal activities or the real reason he had hired me to work at Sethi Tech. I would have to just give her a condensed version of the story.

“He’s just…intense.” Or maybe just the ultra-condensed version.

“What does that mean?” she asked in confusion.

“It means he’s not like the other guys I’ve dated.”Definitely not like the other guys.

“Let me guess—he’s a ‘bad boy’?” My mom had always been a sharp lady.

I smiled at her guess, and she knew she was right.

“You get that from me. I was always falling for the bad boys when I was in my prime.”

“Mom, you’re still in your prime.”

“That’s sweet of you to say, but you know what I mean. Does he treat you well?” I knew my well-being was most important to her.

He did. He was always honest with me and made me feel special when we were together. Even though he was unable to commit, I knew he cared for me. He had proven that to me when he’d tried to sabotage my vacation.

I had texted him every day while I was here, as promised, and although he still seemed cranky about me leaving, he always replied with short messages of confirmation shortly after receiving my texts. If I was being honest, I missed him. It was weird being away from him.

“He does. He’s just not looking to be in a committed relationship right now,” I said, organizing the vegetables on a baking tray.

“And what do you want?” She resumed streaming olive oil into her bowl of chopped herbs and spices.

“Me? I guess I thought we’d be something a little more than casual by now.”

“Sometimes these bad boys take a little more time to realize what they want. Your dad did,” she said, too busy to look up from her marinade.

“Huh?” This was news to me. I hadn’t realized my dad had been a bad boy afraid of commitment. He had always seemed strongly devoted to my mom when he was alive.

“Your dad was so afraid of commitment when I met him. He was always faithful to me, but he was still hesitant to settle down.”

“I had no idea! How did he end up changing his mind?” I abandoned my vegetables, needing to hear more.

“I gave him space and time. He came around at his own pace. The important thing is that you continue to live your life while he figures out what he wants. You’re a bright young girl. Don’t get caught up in others’ indecisiveness. Experience life instead of waiting for someone to commit to you.”

“So, you’re saying I should date around in the meantime?” I didn’t want to see other people.

“Only if that’s what you want to do. I’m not saying you should be one of those crazy loose girls.” She waved her hands in the air like she was a college girl on spring break.

“Mom!”

“You know what I mean. You have integrity and you should hold onto that. But if you want to see other people, that’s fine too. These guys sometimes need a little space to realize what they’re missing out on.”

“You’re right mom.” She always was.

“What’s his name?” She cocked an eyebrow as she dug for more information. Moms always needed to know more.

“Shyam,” I said.

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