Page 66 of What Matters Most

Glenna froze and a shocked look came over her. “Who?”

“His name is Tate Harding.”

“When?”

“A couple of weeks ago.”

“How old is he?”

Abby wanted to laugh at her mother’s questions. She sounded as if Abby was fifteen again and asking for permission to date. “He’s twenty-seven and a hardworking, respectable citizen. I don’t know how to explain it, Mom, but I was instantly attracted to him. I think I’m falling in love.”

“Falling in love,” Glenna echoed, reheating the day’s stale coffee and pouring herself a cup. Her hand shook as she lifted the mug to her mouth a couple of minutes later.

Abby knew her mother was taking her seriously when she drank coffee, which she usually reserved for mornings. A smile tugged at Abby’s mouth, but she successfully restrained it.

“I know what you must be thinking,” Abby said. “You don’t even have to say it because I’ve already chided myself a thousand times. Logan’s the greatest man in the world, but Tate is—”

“The ultimate one?”

The suppressed smile came to life. “You could say that.”

“Does Logan know?”

“Of all the luck, they ran into each other at my apartment last week. It would’ve helped if they hadn’t met like that.”

“I think having Logan and Tate stumble into each other was more providential than you realize,” Glenna murmured with infuriating calm. “I’ve always liked Logan. I think he’s perfect for you.”

“How can you say that?” Abby demanded indignantly. “We aren’t anything alike. We don’t even enjoy the same things. Logan can be such a stuffed shirt. And you haven’t even met Tate.”

“No.” Her mother ran the tip of one finger along the rim of her mug. “To be honest, I could never understand why Logan puts up with you. I love you, Abby, but I know your faults as well as your strengths. Apparently, Logan sees the same potential in you that I do.”

“I can’t believe my own mother would talk to me like this.” Abby spoke to the ceiling, venting her irritation. “I come to her to pour out my heart and seek her advice and end up being judged.”

Glenna laughed. “I’m not judging you,” she declared. “Just giving you some sound motherly advice.” An ardent light glowed from her eyes. “Logan loves you. He—”

“Mother,” Abby interrupted. “How can you be so sure? If he does, which I sincerely doubt, then he’s never told me.”

“No, I don’t imagine he has. Logan is waiting.”

“Waiting?” Abby asked sarcastically. “For what? A blue moon?”

“No,” Glenna said sharply, and took a long, deliberate sip of her coffee, which must have tasted foul. “He’s been waiting for you to grow up. You’re impulsive and quick-tempered, especially when it comes to relationships. You expect him to take the lead and yet you resent him for it.”

Abby gasped; she couldn’t help it. Rarely had her mother spoken this candidly to her. Abby opened her mouth to deny the accusations, then closed it again. The words hurt, especially coming from her own mother, and she lowered her gaze to hide the onrush of emotional pain. Tears gathered in her eyes.

“I’m not saying these things to hurt you,” Glenna continued softly.

“I know that.” Abby grimaced. “You’re right. I should be more honest, but I don’t want to hurt Logan.”

“Then tell him what you’re feeling. Stringing him along would be unkind.”

“But it’s hard,” Abby protested, wiping her eyes. “If I told him yesterday that I was going out with Tate he would’ve been angry. And miserable.”

“And do you suppose he wasn’t? I know Logan. If you said anything to him, he’d immediately step aside until you’ve settled things in your own mind.”

“I know,” Abby breathed in frustration. “But I’m not sure I want that, either.”

“You mean you want to have your cake and eat it, too,” Glenna said. “As the old cliché has it…”

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