Page 455 of Now and Forever

Oh, Hell. He’s a close friend of Hugh’s and had been very close with my dad when he was alive, too.

“Lily? Will you say something?” Mom is waiting for my reaction. What the heck do I say?

“Um, that was unexpected. I didn’t realize you were attracted to Colin. He’s Dad’s friend, Mom. I don’t know. How long have you been seeing him?”

“A week ago. It just started. He said he finally manned up and asked me out. He’s been meaning to for the last few years, but always hesitated.” That sounds like Colin.

Colin Sandberg is a decent man, gentle and soft-spoken with the sharpest brain around. His wife died five years ago, I think. He doesn’t have any children because his wife didn’t want any, but they were happy that way. It was a lifestyle choice that suited them both. I suppose two lonely grieving people are entitled to find solace in each other.

“I’m happy for you, Mom. I really am. Colin better not hurt you or he’ll have me to answer to.” My mother chuckles at that. She knows I can be a spitfire about it, too; if it ever comes down to that.

I honestly hope that it won’t. Mom deserves to be happy. I hadn’t realized how lonely she must be since Dad died.

“That’s why I called, too. Colin will be joining us this Sunday. That’s why it’s important that you come.”

That warms my heart. Mom. Introducing her boyfriend for the first time. Ha! “Of course, count me in. Lunch, right?”

“Yes, I will see you then. Have a good night, Hon.”

“You, too, Mom,” I say before we part with our goodbyes.

I glance sideways and find Jared looking amused. “Glad my mom’s love life entertains you, Mr. Pearson.”

“It is a bit entertaining, but I think your love life intrigues me more.” He gives my thigh another stroke.

I weave myself nicely on a nice shit pile, don’t I?

“I’m sure it does,” I murmur. Not wanting to open that can of worms. Drake, our past and the ever shifting present, are not what I want to talk or even think about tonight.

My phone beeps to indicate a text message.

Drake.

My heart rate suddenly speeds up, I feel suffocated.

What time will you be here tonight? I forgot to ask. Miss you, Lil.

Do I still want to do this weekend thing with Drake? I do and don’t, but after I saw that picture of him and Shannon together, I don’t think I can do it. Hell, but the thought of having a crazy sex-fest with Drake all weekend long makes me break out with goose bumps.

I decide to text Drake back, right then and there. It’s best I get it over with before I meet Jared’s parents because that is a major deal for me.

Hey . . . I don’t think that will be possible, Drake. Let’s just try to move past what happened the last few days? If it’s possible . . . I would really appreciate it. I’ll see you at work Monday. Thanks.

There. I sent it. The message sounds rational and mature. When it beeps again, I shove it back in my purse. There’s no point in trying to ruin my night. Drake can wait.

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