Page 66 of All I Ask
So what if that first part is true? It still doesn’t mean it’s our time. “Our kids hate each other, Nina. This isn’t time for anything.”
“Kids fight and don’t like each other. That doesn’t change the feelings and love you and Derek have for each other. You’re just talking crazy.”
This conversation is what’s crazy. I love her, but Jesus. She can’t possibly believe this is real. “He doesn’t love me. He doesn’t even know me!” I tell her.
We know the Teagan and Derek of a million years ago. I am nothing like the girl I used to be. He clearly isn’t who I knew either. He fell in love with someone else, married her, raised a kid, and all those life experiences changed him at his core.
“You’re an idiot.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“There have never been two people who have cared about and known each other more than you and Derek.”
“A long-ass time ago, yes. Now? No.”
“Then get to know him.”
I lift my head to the ceiling. “It was a kiss. It wasn’t anything more than that.”
If she buys that I’ll be impressed. It was so much more than a kiss.
“Well.” Nina gets up and smiles. “It shouldn’t be a big deal to start looking for a new match.”
“A what?”
“A new date, since it wasn’t anything more than that. There’s no reason you can’t get your ass back in the saddle.”
She can’t be serious. I’m not going on another blind date. The last setup did not go well and I have no desire to try again. “Not happening.”
“Because? Hmm? Could it be a man you happen to have given your heart to who has returned to claim it?”
She’s ridiculous. “It’s not because of the kiss with Derek if that’s what you’re thinking!” I yell at her and point. “That kiss meant nothing!”
A loud thump hits the door from the apartment and both of our heads turn. Shit. I pray to God Chastity didn’t hear me. Nina’s eyes are wide as she looks at me. “Do you think she—?”
“I don’t know.”
A heartbeat passes between us and the door handle rattles.
My voice is a whisper. “Don’t say anything.”
“I’ve got this.”
I have zero faith. Nina’s the world’s worst liar. Chastity will see through her like glass.
“Anyway,” I say loudly, trying to refocus Nina. My daughter is smart—I need to keep talking about the same issue but leave out the kiss and I’ll just…improvise if she asks. “I think I’m going to stay single.”
Nina nods. “I see.”
“I’m serious. I can read the signs that right now isn’t the right time.”
Chastity enters the room. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Hi, honey,” Nina says a little too brightly. “Did you sleep well?”
“Sure. I would’ve liked to sleep in later but you two were yelling and I was worried Grandma was here and Mom finally snapped.”
