Page 36 of Keep My Heart
Diane’s not going to believe what happened tonight. I can hardly believe it myself.
Nick kissed me. Maybe it was real or maybe it was fake. Either way, it was the best kiss of my life.
Chapter 9
Lyndsay
‘What time did you get in last night?’ my mom asks, pouring coffee in her mug.
‘Around three. Diane and I were talking and didn’t realize it was so late. You know how it is when we get together.’
It’s just after eight and I’m sitting at the kitchen table, dressed and ready to go meet Nick, but first I have to break the news to my mom that I won’t be having breakfast with her.
She sets her coffee mug on the table. ‘Give me a hug. I’ve missed you.’
I get up and give her a hug.
‘You’re too skinny,’ she says, squeezing me tight before letting me go.
‘I’m the same as always,’ I tell her, but the truth is I’ve lost ten pounds while going through the divorce. I have trouble eating when I’m stressed.
My mom holds my face in her hands and looks into my eyes. ‘How are you doing?’
‘Mom, I’m fine,’ I say, knowing it’s better if I don’t tell her thetruth. I don’t want her worrying about me, and it’s not like there’s anything she can do. I just need time to get past this and move on with my life.
Last night with Nick really gave me hope. I hadn’t enjoyed a man’s company that much in years. When Chris and I would go out, he’d always be checking his phone or checking out other women. We were one of those couples who’d go out for dinner and wouldn’t talk.
‘Is it really final?’ my mom asks. ‘There’s no chance of reconciling with him?’
‘It’s final.’ I look down, feeling like I disappointed her. She was hoping by now I would’ve given her a few grandkids, but instead I’m divorced and have no idea what to do next. Even if I start dating again, it’ll be a long time before I’m married, and even longer before I have kids. What if I’m too old by then? I always wanted three kids, but now I may not even have one.
I sit back down at the table while Mom goes to the fridge to get the creamer. ‘What would you like to do today?’
I’m relieved she didn’t ask me more about the divorce. We’ve talked about it enough on the phone that there’s nothing else to say, but I assumed she’d still ask me about it or try to get me to give Chris another chance.
‘Maybe we could go to that place you like for lunch, the bed-and-breakfast.’
‘We could, but I was thinking I’d take you out now. I know how much you love Maury’s and we didn’t get to go last time you were here.’
‘Um, yeah, I kind of already made plans to go there.’
‘With who?’ Her brows rise. ‘Diane?’
I could tell her I’m going with Diane, but my mom could easily find out I lied. A lot of her friends go to Maury’s for breakfast on Saturday and if they saw me with Nick, they’d tell her.
‘I’m going with Nick,’ I say, sipping my coffee.
She sits across from me at the small kitchen table with the red-checkered tablecloth we’ve had for as long as I can remember. ‘Nick who?’
‘Nick Kanfield. The guy who tutored me back in high school.’
‘Yes, I know Nick, but I thought he lived in New York now.’
‘He does, but he’s back to see his family. I ran into him at the airport and we thought it’d be fun to catch up so we’re meeting for breakfast. Is it okay if I take the car?’
‘I suppose it is, as long as you won’t be gone long. I have a hair appointment at ten.’
That won’t give Nick and me much time. I was hoping to spend the morning with him. We had such a good time last night. It’s the first time in over a year that my mind didn’t keep wandering to Chris and the divorce.
