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“What makes you say that?”
Diane raises her brows. “She’s too weak, too intimidated by everything Kristen was.”
“How do you know?”
“I told her how much Kristen meant to you, to all of us, and Meg was clearly upset by that.”
My jaw hardens. “What did you say to her?”
“I merely told her how wonderful Kristen was. And shewaswonderful. I shouldn’t have to hide that, and if Meg Johnson can’t handle living in Kristen’s shadow, then she shouldn’t be a part of our lives.”
“Notourlives.Mylife. This is my life, and whether you like it or not, I can choose who I want to be with.”
“And whether you like it or not, I’m Krew’s grandmother, and I should have a say in how he’s being raised and by whom.”
My eyes cast over Diane’s face. “Do you have a problem with me liking Meg because you’re Principal Carter, or because you’re Kristen’s mom?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she scoffs. “I told you already. I’m worried about the school, the board of trustees, and about Meg losing her job. That’s it.”
“If you really wanted me to be happy, you’d talk to the board of trustees.”
She brushes away my words with the flip of her hand. “My hands are tied.”
“They’re tied because you don’t like the idea of me dating again.”
Her chin lifts. “I didn’t say that.”
My voice gets stronger, matching my frustration. “Diane, what are you so afraid of?”
Tears fill her eyes. “I’m afraid of losing Kristen again.” Her eyes drop, and she fidgets with her hands. “There are rules at the school, but beyond that, it’s hard to see you moving on with your life.” Her head lifts, and her eyes meet mine. “There’s no moving on for me. My daughter is just gone—forever. I can already see things shifting with you, and I’m worried if you keep this thing up with Meg, I’m going to be the only one who remembers Kristen.”
“Diane, I’ll always remember Kristen. She was—”
“I know what Kristen was. You don’t have to tell me. She was incredible, and I don’t want her replaced with someone new.Idon’t want to be replaced with someone new. If you marry again, there will be new in-laws, and where does that leave me?” One tear falls down her cheek. “I don’t have anyone left.”
My shoulders drop. I should be furious with Diane, with the way she’s trying to dictate my life, but I feel sorry for her. She lost Kristen too. I see glimpses of her daughter in her eyes and the way she’s trying to stay strong, fighting her emotion. My relationship with Diane might be complicated, but I would never replace her. She’s a part of me always, just like Kristen is.
I take a step forward and place my hand on her wrist. “There’s always a place for you in our lives. You’re Kristen’s mom.”
She shakes her head as if she’s trying to regain composure. “None of this matters.” She pulls her wrist out of my grasp. “If I were you, I’d focus on remembering Kristen instead of chasing after another woman you can’t have. Because you can’t have Meg Johnson, and there’s nothing you can say that will change that.” She raises her chin. “I’m only having this conversation with you to let you know that I can’t keep these dating rumors away from the board much longer. Consider this your warning to end things.”
Her shoulder bumps mine as she exits the kitchen.
I guess the birthday party is over.
CHAPTER37
TYLER
That evening, Paul’s name appears on the home screen of my phone. I’m glad he’s calling. I should probably be honest with him aboutwhothe woman is I’ve been referring to these last few months.
I’m sick of hiding my feelings for Meg, and if my conversation with Diane is any indication, our relationship won’t be hidden much longer.
“Hey, Paul,” I say.
“Tyler, I’m glad I got ahold of you.”
“Why? What’s up?”
