Page 110 of One Bossy Date

“I’m not denying that, dear.” She still appeared upset, but not so much with me. “In fact, I did suspect something when Anderson hadn’t bought you a ring and there was no wedding or baby talk at all. It was unusual.”

“Yes…it was a huge mistake.”

“But was it really?” Her eyes narrowed and she leaned toward me. “To me, it seemed as though the lie became truth.”

Stupid, stupid hope flared inside me. “What do you mean?”

“Well…it’s obvious that you two really did fall for each other.” She took my hand, and I was so happy about her sweet gesture. “Zoe, dear, do you love my son?”

“Well, yes, of course I do, but—” Tears sprang into my eyes again. I couldn’t help them from spilling over and cascading down my cheeks. “But he’s leaving. There’s nothing I can do to stop him now.”

“Oh,honey.” She squeezed my hand and pulled me up to hug her. “He’s a stubborn mule! That’s what he is. He’s got everything he could ever need and wish for right in front of him, and still, he won’t see it.” She pulled away and held my shoulder, wiping my cheek with the back of her fingers. “But I do know he loves you too.”

“How do you know?”

“Oh, trust me. A mother knows.”

I nodded, sniffing. “He asked me to go with him to South America.”

She looked surprised. “He did? And?”

I shrugged. “I can’t drop my whole life. I love New York and my friends, and I love my business. I built it from the ground up, and it’s finally starting to take off.” My heart ached thinking about Dotty, my uncle, Lou-Ann, and of course,Jim. I couldn’t leave them behind.

“Yes, I see. I see.” She offered a sad smile. “That’s fantastic, dear.”

“And I asked him if he would stay for me, but he refused.”

Now Lilian’s eyes sprouted tears. “That boy willneverchange.” This time, I held her hands in mine and squeezed. “Look, Zoe, I’m so grateful for your apology. You’re truly an amazing girl, and I certainly hope Anderson will come to his senses.”

“I don’t know, he seemed pretty adamant.” I shook my head and let go of her hands. “Thank you, Lilian. You’ve been so good to me. But now, I have another apology to make.” I tried a smile when she pulled me into another hug.

“I’m sure your gran will understand.”

I bade her farewell, unsure if I’d ever see her again. The thought broke my heart all over again—the broken pieces cracking into smaller ones.

My next stop was Granny Dotty’s apartment.

“Hello, my love. I didn’t think I’d see you until the new year. But I washopingto see you.” My gran welcomed me in and put the kettle on. Turning to face me then, she appeared worried. “Zoe? Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Gran, I’m afraid you might never forgive me for this.”

“You’re not pregnant?”

I stopped, looking up at her from the kitchen table. “You know?”

“Well, any pregnant woman would have had some of the symptoms by now, or at least been excited with millions of questions. First-time moms usually are.” She seemed sad and ran her hand along my arm softly. “But why would you need my forgiveness?”

“Because I was never pregnant to start with.”

“What?” Her eyes revealed her surprise.

“And I was never engaged to Anders either. I brought him along to your party because I didn’t want to date Brody.”

“Never engaged?” She frowned in confusion, and I scrambled to find the words.

“I’m so sorry, Gran. It got so out of hand that night, and there was no way to stop the lies without ruining your party entirely.”

“I better take a seat.” She nodded slowly, sitting down, her eyes drifting away from me. “Is that why you don’t have a ring?”

---