Page 34 of Let Me Love You
“I’ve known Stacey since I was thirteen.”
“It’s just different. You were thirteen and she was an adult.”
“Yes, and now we’re both adults.”
She huffed out an exaggerated breath and waved her hands in frustration.
“What is your worry? Is it the age difference? What your friends will think? What is it that makes you so angry that I love her?”
“She’s in her thirties. Already been married and divorced. You should be dating a girl your age, doing things twenty-three-year-old’s do.”
“And what do twenty-three-year-old’s do? Matt Reynolds is married and expecting his first child. Tyler is working at his dad’s car shop, lifeguarding at the beach, and dating a new girl every night. Aaron Meitz is headed to medical school in the fall. Everyone is doing something different.” Pointing out some of his close buddies’ lives should put things in perspective for her. He did exactly what he should—figuring out and living his life.
“Sheshould have known better than to move forward with whatever it is that occurred between the two of you. She’s a grown woman with experience.”
“And I’m what? Just a kid, right?” Ren blew out a harsh breath and shook his head. “If I’m not worried about her age, then why are you? I’m the one who has to deal with those differences. Not you.”
“You may not think it matters now, but when you’re in your thirties, she’ll be in her forties. She’s always going to be eight years older than you. Maybe right now it seems ideal, but down the road the age difference will be a big deal.”
“The age difference probably makes the biggest deal right now. Down the road, I’m only going to love her more, and not because of the way she looks, but because she’ll be my wife and the mother to my children, and I won’t give a shit about how old she is.”
“Jesus Christ. You’re serious about this.” She turned to face the window again. “I thought this was just some sort of fantasy. I was sitting here thinking I’ll let it run its course. Maybe a few weeks. A couple months at the most. But you’re talking about marriage and kids.” Her voice cracked.
“Which is why I want to talk about it. I don’t want you to think it’s a fantasy or short-lived or that Stacey has pursued me in some sort of desperation ploy to get over Randy. She’s done everything to discourage my advances.”
His mother puffed out a disbelieving breath and turned again to face him. “Everything except say no.”
Perhaps he could employ another tactic. Sympathize with her.
“Mom, I can only imagine the shock of finding out that your son is having sex with your neighbor, but I don’t want this to be the focus. Sex is a small part of what is going on.”
“So you’ve said. You don’t think a relationship with someone your own age would be easier? A girl who doesn’t have the baggage of an ex-husband or having been cheated on?”
“Yes. It would be easier, but I’m not looking for easy. I’m following my heart, just like you always told me to.” He stood and walked the short distance to the chaise, then squatted on the edge. “I’d like to have your blessing. It would be easier if Stacey knew you weren’t going to hate her or stir up drama. And it would be easier for me. I want to bring her around you and Dad. I don’t want to feel like I’m being forced to hide how I feel about her. I won’t do that. I’m not embarrassed about the way I feel and I certainly don’t want Stacey to be.”
“I need time to sit with this, Ren. I’m not quite ready to acquiesce to this scenario. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll take that as a positive.” He stood again, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. She inhaled as he turned and walked out of the room.
Not the warm apology he desired or the acceptance he’d hoped for, but better than an hour ago when she slapped Stacey and attempted to order him home like a five-year-old. She needed time. Just like Stacey, he’d give it to his mom as well. He hopped down the stairs and into the kitchen where he found his dad sipping coffee and flipping through the news on his iPad.
“Well, the house didn’t fall down around me so I guess that’s progress.” His father eyed Ren. A small smile teased his lips.
“She was angry. Wouldn’t even look at me, but she listened. At least, I think so.” Ren poured a cup of coffee and sat at the table. “Any advice on how best to deal with these two women?”
“Sure.” Dad chuckled. “Run.”
Ren belted out a full belly laugh. “Great advice from the man who’s still here.”
“I’m trying to save you.” Dad winked. “Let your mom stew for a bit. She’ll come to terms with it eventually.”
“And Stacey?” Ren sipped his coffee, hoping the caffeine would give him the energy he’d need after the crazy morning.
“Give her what she needs. Not what you think she needs, Son. What she’s asked for.” Jay picked up his iPad and started reading again. “Can you believe the housing market is rising at record rates again? I hope we aren’t entering another bubble.”
Ren smiled. All was right in this moment. He had a plan.
