Page 60 of Butter My Biscuit

“Oh, right. I’ll make two lasagnas then. Thank you. I almost forgot. They’re supposed to stay here that night and then go see your dad and Tanya next.”

I nod. “We all know how Tanya loves a holiday feast.”

“Okay, that’s funny, but also, come on.”

My mom caught them together on Christmas. It sucked.

I have a chuckle, and then she changes the subject. Mom has no ill will. It’s just me who’s harboring feelings about it—still. They killed my idea of love. I thought they were happy, but they were just playing pretend.

“You want a cup of coffee?”

“Nah, I’m good. Is that all you needed?”

“Yes, but I also wanted to see you and make sure you were doing okay. Been worried about you after Julia moved out.”

“Worry about me if I cut bangs. That’s a real cry for help. Until then, I’m fine. Also, Remi Valentine is moving in with me on January 1. We spoke yesterday to confirm it all. I’m just treating it like I got to live in a two-bedroom apartment for free for a month.”

She grabs the pot from the coffee maker and fills it with water before pouring it into the reservoir. “Have you thought any more about starting your business?”

“Well, yes,” I tell her, tightening my ponytail and sitting on the barstool as she fills a filter with grounds. It smells good. And I’m brought back to sitting in this very spot every Saturday, waiting for my mom to drop me off at Harrison’s.

“I just don’t want you to get stuck, working a job that’s not your dream. You know, a new year is coming up. You should go for the stars. You’re single. Smart. Pretty. Talented. You can make anything happen that you want.”

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I unlock it and see a text from Harrison.

It’s a picture of him in the saddle, wearing a cowboy hat, and he’s blowing the largest bubble of gum. I immediately laugh.

Mom glances at my phone and then back at me. “What’s my son doin’ now?”

I turn my phone around and show her, and she laughs as she reads the text he sent me under it.

Harrison

Mine’s bigger than yours.

“You’d better tell him to behave,” Mom playfully warns, and I type the message and send it to him.

Harrison

??

Harrison

Do NOT let your mom read our texts. OMFG.

Grace

There ain’t nothing I’d hide in here. Totally platonic.

Harrison

Yep, just like last week. ;)

The smile on my face widens, and Mom clears her throat as she watches me.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” she says as she refills her mug.

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