Page 68 of The Nicest Thing
I didn't admit it, but that hit me right in the chest.
God, if I could have a love like my parents had, that was my life's goal.I wasn't sure I'd ever get it.Theirs was one for the record books. And I knew it would never be possible without Rose.But I could hope.
Instead of fessing up, I sent Mom a grin."I do love flower names."
She tsked, but I could tell she wanted to laugh.
"But I'm still not buying that that's how you knew or why you chose to bring it up now. Come on, Mom. Out with it."
Mom maintained her flinty stare for about three more seconds before she cracked.
"Someone may have let me know about a kiss," she said finally.
"Which one?" I countered.
Her eyes brightened."At the little league game.I already knew about the one from Christmas, of course."
"Of course," I echoed then shook my head."I love her, but Emmy has a big mouth.She needs to stop meddling."
"Don't talk about your sister like that."
"I said I love her."
"Then you added a 'but' and said she has a big mouth."
"Well…"
Mom threw me a glare, but there was no heat behind it.
"Anyway, Emmy wasn't even the first person to tell me."
I sent her a questioning look.
"Francine Shoemaker called, saying something about inappropriate behavior, and gave me the whole story," she said with a lift of her brows."You know she's had her eye on you for her daughter Serena for some time."
I did.
Francine wasn't exactly subtle.
There wasn't anything wrong with her daughter either.
I just wasn't interested in anyone whose name wasn’t Rose.
"I believe you owe your sister an apology," Mom added.
"I'm sorry," I said then remembered something."But you said she wasn't the first person. So, she did tell you?"
Mom smiled."Coach Williamson told me second. Emmy was third."
"Bunch of nosy people," I muttered.
She laughed then said, "Good luck at dinner."
With a nod, I got to my feet."Thanks, Mom.I better go."
Mom followed me to the door, and as I was about to leave, she added, "Do you know what her parents like?"
"No," I said, "but I don't think it matters.From what I understand, Rose's parents left when she was a baby.They weren't around.She was raised by her grandparents."
