Page 74 of One Week Wingman

“Sure, people switch into law all the time,” the daughter, Greta, replies. She’s polished and perky, wearing a chic cream silk top and gold jewelry, every inch the high-flying girlboss.

Meanwhile I’m wearing jeans, a ratty sweater, and flip-flops so my toe polish doesn’t smudge.

“Did you hear that, Roxy?” Mom nudges me, looking excited. “People switch back all the time.”

“I heard,” I say dryly. “I’m sitting right here.”

“Perhaps you could talk to the admissions office,” she continues. “No need to commit to anything, just, see what they’d say.”

“Well, I’d imagine their first question would be, ‘Why do you want to attend law school,’ which would be a problem, since I don’t,” I say.

There’s an awkward silence.

“Still, it’s good to have options,” Mom tries, brightly.

“I agree.” I force a smile. “Which is why I have the option of working weekend shifts, to make bigger tips, or take the slow Tuesday nights, and have more time for my life outside of work. Plenty of options all around as a bartender.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Mom, everybody in Ashford Falls knows what you mean.”

I can feel my frustration reaching boiling point, so I get to my feet before I wind up throwing down right here amongst the silverware. “I’m sorry I have to go,” I tell our guests, ignoring Mom’s disapproving look. “I need to go meet Stefano. Who knows? Maybe he’s picking out a ring!”

I steam out of there, my anger propelling me across town to the high school, where Seb is helping out with the reunion prep.

“Looking for Mr. Perfect?” Colin greets me, hoisting something blue and trailing ribbons.

“You mean, Jeremy?” I tease.

He laughs. “Leave me unattended with your Stefano much longer, and I might just forget all about him…” he winks. “But seriously, I’m so glad you found each other. You need to visit more often! And bring him.”

Another person on the ‘Team Stefano’ then.

“Sure, if I can find him…” I look around.

“Try the cafeteria,” Colin suggests.

Sure enough, I find Sebastian up a ladder, fixing the lighting rig. He looks way too good, with his sleeves pushed up and his biceps tensing. And as for my view of his ass…

“Are you down there objectifying me?” He looks down, amused.

“It’s an emergency objectification,” I say, still way too tense. “I need a distraction. Please.”

He climbs down, and my emotions must be showing clear on my face because he immediately wraps me in a hug, his arms warm and solid around me.

“Your mom?” he asks, resting his chin on the top of my head.

“My mom,” I agree, my voice muffled against his neck.

But Sebastian doesn’t let go. He holds me tightly, and I take a deep breath, and then another. Slowly, I relax, somehow feeling better even though nothing’s changed.

“Can we blow everything off and just go back to the city?” I ask, lifting my head hopefully. “I’ll drive. We could be back at Mavericks in time for a round of shots and some of those sinful poutine fries the kitchen is trying out.”

“What was that?” Sebastian asks. “I heard ‘Can we blow’ and got distracted.”

I laugh, despite myself. “I’m not joking! I can’t take any more of this. I’m done. Stick a fork in me. Let’s make like trees and leaf.”

He releases me. “Uh oh. A multiple pun crisis. Things must be bad.”

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