Page 113 of Hale Yes
“It’s okay,” I say. “I’m over it.” And for the first time, I think that might actually be true.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The proclamation
Nicolette
October fades into November, and it’s still fucking hot in Texas. At least it’s not in the nineties or hundreds anymore, but eighty-eight is still extremely warm.
My eyes follow Helix as his large body slices through the water. He is always attractive to me, but he’s downright stunning while he’s swimming. The sun glistens off the surface of his wet body when he stands and shakes his head, sending droplets flying.
Then his eyes meet mine as I sit in one of the cushy lounge chairs, and he grins. It is devastating.
“Hey, beautiful. Want to come in?”
“Not today,” I say. “I’m enjoying the show.”
My man swipes his hair back and winks. “Okay, baby. But don’t worry; I’ll get you wet later.” And I know he’s not talking about in the pool.
His pool area would be right at home in some fancy tropical resort with a stone waterfall at one end and palm trees scattered between colorful flowers.
A buzzing against my hip has me reaching for my phone, and I see it’s Helix’s mom calling. Probably wants to ask when we’re going back to Cowboy Yoga. I swear, the woman is obsessed.
“Hey, Ophelia,” I answer with a smile in my voice. I really like this woman. She’s warm and funny, and she’s welcomed me into her family with open arms. I often wonder what it would be like if I’d had her as a mother growing up instead of my own.
“Nicolette! It’s so nice to hear your voice. Listen, I was wondering if you’d like to come over to my house today. Just you without my son.”
I’m taken aback and a little worried. What if she thinks I’m too much of a freak after thinking more about my bathroom rant the first day we met? “Sure. What’s going on?”
“Well, I hope you won’t take offense because that’s not how I mean it all, but I was hoping to share some of my family recipes with you.” She rushes to add. “I’m not saying you can’t cook or anything. I’m sure you can because you’re a very smart woman, but I thought… Oh dear, am I making a mess of things?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Not at all. I would love to.”
“Great! I always dreamed of having a daughter who would become my best friend when she was all grown up. Someone who would come over and hang out in my kitchen while we cooked, but I just had three stinky boys.” There’s affection for her sons in her words, despite the mild insult.
“What time would you like me to come?”
“In about an hour, if that gives you enough time.”
“I’ll be there.”
“I can’t wait. You’re very important to my son, and I want to get to know you better.”
The excitement in her voice thrills me. Is this what having a real mom is like?
She sends me the address by text once we’re off the phone, and I walk over to the edge of the pool. Helix swims over like a damn dolphin and props his chin on his folded arms on the side.
“What’s up, buttercup?”
“I’m going over to your mom’s house.”
He wipes some water off his tanned face with a big hand. “Okay, I’ll need to take a shower before we go. Did she say what time?”
“In an hour… and you’re not invited,” I tell him, nudging his thick forearm with my bare toe.
Helix appears to be insulted. “But why?”
I squat and run my fingers through his wet strands. “Because we’re having girl time, and you’re not a girl.”
