Page 88 of Between Now and Forever
“How did I know what?” I ask.
“How did you know that I was going to ask Mom about going on a date with a girl from school?”
Gabrielle’s eyes widen.
“I didn’t,” I say, buying her time to regroup. “How would I have known that?”
“You tell me.”
It’s purely a coincidence, but one that makes all the sense in the world.Dylan doesn’t know what to do, and he’s frustrated about talking to his mother about it.I remember being that age and the awkwardness of conversing with my mother about such things. Having me here doesn’t make it any better.
But it could . . .
“I had no clue,” I say, before taking a drink. “But since you’re new around here and need tips on where to take your girl, let me know.”
He narrows his eyes. “Because you take a lot of women out on dates, huh?”
Gabrielle sighs again.
He’s picking a fight in his teenage way. I just need to unpick it somehow.
“Actually, no,” I say. “I don’t. But I do know where all the restaurants and movie theaters are, and also the hangout spots. So, if you have questions, let me know.”
He holds my gaze as if he’s processing my offer.
I run my hands down my thighs and then get to my feet. “I have to work early in the morning, so I better get going. It was nice talking to you, Gabrielle.”
“Good night, Jay.”
“Good seeing you again, Dylan,” I say.
“Bye.”
I take the steps slowly and then set out across the lawn. Their words are a whisper in the wind as I reach my house. Once I’m inside, I glance through the kitchen window to find they’ve gone inside themselves.
I won’t lie. I wanted more time with Gabrielle, but this is the reality of her life. Her kids come first, and I fucking love that about her.
And Dylan and I might’ve made theslightest bitof headway.
A smile reaches my lips.
Who would’ve thought that I would be happy about making progress with a woman and her children?
Not fucking me.
But here we are.
CHAPTER TWENTY
GABRIELLE
So how are things going?” Cricket asks, meeting me stride for stride on the sidewalk. “Are the boys taking things well?”
“Jay and I haven’t been together in front of them as a couple yet.”
“Oh.” She pumps her arms at her sides as we walk. “That’s smart. What’s the rush, right?”
I smile at her and hope she doesn’t laugh.
