Page 15 of Enchanted Ventures

“Rick wasn’t a bad guy.”

I nod. “I agree. He wasn’t. Just a little…boring.”

She giggles. “There’s no way he was rocking your world. No way he made your toes curl.”

“No, he didn’t do any of that. Is that what’s happening? Your world is being rocked? Are your toes curling?”

She’s silent. I know I’ve hit the nail on the head. “Mom, I’m just not ready to talk about it. I have to admit certain feelings to myself before I can admit them to you. Maybe when I get back from my trip.”

“Just tell me this, is the age gap reasonable?” She’s always been attracted to older men. I imagine it has something to do with Declan and how he wasn’t in her life until she was seven. And then she tortured him for a long time. So much so, that I had her seeing a therapist, Dr. Pearl, since she was eight years old. She still sees Dr. Pearl sporadically to this day.

What Jade doesn’t know is that I’ve also been seeing Dr. Pearl for the past four-plus years. Staying in my marriage has been a struggle for me. More so than I ever let on.

As for Jade, it took time, but she eventually accepted Declan into her life and has a good relationship with him and her stepmom now. It wasn’t until her mid- to late-teen years that she found peace with him, but at least she eventually found it.

Jade sighs. “What do you want me to say, Mom? You know I’m only attracted to older men. I can’t help it. I have no interest in guys my age. I never have.”

I blow out a breath. “Can I ask a few questions?”

“You can ask. It doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

“Is he married?”

“No.”

“Has he ever been married?”

“No.”

“Does he have kids?”

“No.”

This is all promising. I’m now hopeful that he’s under forty. I can live with that.

“Does he collect social security?”

She laughs. “Not that I’m aware of. He’s younger than you.”

“I suppose I’ll take it as a win and leave you alone for now. You know you can tell me anything, right? I love you no matter what.”

“I know, Mom. I love you too.”

“Are you excited for Mexico?” She’s going to Cancun next week on vacation. We barely did any traveling when she was growing up, not having the money for it. I’m happy she’s doing it now.

Her face lights up. “So freakin’ excited. I’ll send you some photos of the outfits Melissa and I picked out.”

“I can’t wait to see them. Are you really going with work friends or are you going with your mystery man?”

Her face drops. “I don’t want to lie to you.”

Wow. Her going away with a man is a big deal, but I need to let her talk to me when she’s ready. “Okay. Hopefully we can have a real conversation when you get back.”

“Maybe. Tell me what’s going on with you.” She looks around at the mess in my house. “It certainly looks like you’ve been painting a lot.”

“I have been. I’m thrilled they’re selling. I have an appointment at the gallery in the morning. Norma said there’s a real demand for my work.”

“That’s so awesome. I’m proud of you.”

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