Page 49 of The Sound Of Silence

“Mystery man.”Of course that’s who she meant. I’m an idiot.

“He was nice, but you know me… One dance with a stranger was more than enough, and Pippa noticed. She sent Jesse over to rescue me.”

“How lovely of them both,” Mom says with a fake grin, making me wonder if I get them from her.

“Say what you really want to say,” I challenge, all while Maeve’s head ping-pongs between the two of us and Dad sips a glass of wine.

“It’s nothing,” Mom says, before telling me it's actuallynotnothing at all. “I just thought it was nice that you were finally…ah…putting yourself out there. You didn’t look like you needed saving. Maybe it’s all up here?” She points to her head, and I huff out a laugh.Where does she think thoughts and feelings come from?

“And you know we’re all rooting for you, dear,” Maeve adds. “Wouldn’t it be lovely to find someone who could take care of you?”

It would certainly be better to have justoneperson “taking care of me” instead of this whole damn town thinking it’s their responsibility.

“I would like to find someone one day,” I say sweetly because it’s Maeve. “But I’m still grateful Jesse cut in.”

“I guess it makes me feel alittlebitbetter about him. Maybe he is a good guy for Pippa.”

A lump forms in my throat, but I force out a “definitely,” without giving my feelings away.I think.

“I mean, I knew that if Pippa was dating him, he had to be giving her something good, right, Maeve.” Mom bounces her eyebrows again as a small smirk plays on her lips, causing Dad to finally react as he cringes along with me.

“Ew, Mom. No.”

Her smile fades instantly as she realizes where our minds went. “Hush. I didn’t meanthat. I meant stability… money.”

Oh. “Sorry. I’m not with it today,” I say with a grin. “I haven’t been sleeping well.”Dammit. I wince.Why’d I have to go and open up that can of worms?

The room falls silent, and I know I’ve just set up my own ambush.

Pulling three mugs down from the top cupboard, Mom goes about preparing us all a tea. “I think we should sit down,” she says before turning to Dad. “Honey, can you finish up with dinner?”

Dad nods, giving me a sympathetic pat on the back as I walk past, following Mom and Maeve into the dining room, knowing she’s going to keep prying until I’ve satisfactorily eased her mind.With Maeve just there for the ride. Which would piss me off if I still cared. But since everyone in this town seems to know my business, why hide it?

With the exception of my current feelings—they need to stay buried.

I pull out a chair just as Mom hits me with her question, not even letting my ass touch the seat. “Is it because of Jade?”

My gaze shoots her way as my brows furrow in confusion.Why would she come to that conclusion?

“Bea dropped by after she saw you,” Mom continues, answering my silent question.Of course she did.

“That’sniceof her.”I guess.Why do I still live in this small town with its complete lack of privacy?“I’m fine.”

“Then why aren’t you sleeping?”

Because I think I have feelings for my sister’s boyfriend…and maybe a little because of Jade.

“Because I’m stressed about work.”

“Oh Willow.” Mom reaches across the table and connects our hands, her thumb stroking my palm. “I forgot that I’d offered to help tomorrow. I’ll come by in the morning.”

I’d forgotten too. Or maybe I just assumed it wouldn’t happen. “Thank you, I’d love that.”

Mom nods, and I open my mouth to discuss details when she says, “But about Jade.”

Ugh! I mentally stop myself from groaning out loud. I would have been better off facing my guilt at home.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I plead.

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