“I’m sorry, is this reality, or am I living in an alternate universe? You actually approve of me dating? Who are you and what did you do with my mother?”
“Don’t be so dramatic. I think it’s perfectly fine for you to date.”
“Since when?”
“Since now. You’re a grown woman. You’ve earned your law degree, and you have a bright future ahead of you. I was hard on you when you were younger because I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.”
“Like getting knocked up at seventeen?” She flinches like I’ve struck a physical blow. Guilt pools in my gut. “Mom, I’m sorry, I—”
“No, you’re right. I didn’t want you to become a teenage mom and struggle like I did.” Gripping my shoulder, she stares into my eyes. “But don’t think for a second I regret having you. You’ve been the most incredible, rewarding surprise of my life, and I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world. But still, having a baby so young was tough, especially after your grandparents kicked me out. I learned the hard way that the only person who can provide for you is you. That’s why I push you. To make sure you can stand on your own two feet and live the life you deserve.”
On an impulse, I throw my arms around her and squeeze. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, honey.”
“You approve of Devin then?”
“Is he supportive of your career?”
“Very.”
“Then yes. You need someone like him, someone who pushes you to be your best. He did something nice for you today, and it sounds like you didn’t take it well.”
“Don’t you think it was kind of presumptuous though? He brought over a car without talking to me about it first because he assumed that’s what I wanted.”
“Cass, if the worst thing Devin has done is bring you a car to test-drive, it sounds like you have a winner on your hands.”
Crossing my legs, I fold my arms over my chest and stare out at the river as a cluster of three yellow and orange kayaks slice through the calm water, passing us by. A breeze lifts a tendril of hair from my neck. Maybe Mom’s right. Maybe I was too hard on him.
“Talk to him. Apologize if you overreacted. Don’t let this one go,” she says.
Snuggling closer, I rest my head on her shoulder. “Okay. Thanks, Mom. I’ll talk to him.”
I log off my computer and pack my bag at five thirty, even though I would normally stay another hour, at least. Mercedes is still working, and she gives me a sidelong glance when I leave.
I pull out my phone in the elevator and my fingers hover over my most recent text conversation with Devin. Mom’s right, I should apologize—it’s not his fault he didn’t know about my driving-induced panic attacks.
Can we talk… in person?
Sure. Meet me at B&B when you get off work? I promised Perry I’d swing by to help him with something.
Sounds good. See you soon
When I arrive at Blooms & Baubles ten minutes later, the door’s locked even though the sign says it’s open until six. I peer through the window—the interior lights are still on, but the store seems to be empty. I rap my knuckles against the door. A few seconds later, Perry appears from the back. His eyes widen when he spots me, but he jogs over and opens it.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” he asks, leaning against the frame. The scent of roses and something woodsy—like pine mixed with rosemary—fills my nose, and I inhale deeply.
Shifting my weight, I peer over his shoulder into the empty shop. “I’m looking for Devin. Is he here?”
“Not yet. He said he’d swing by around six thirty to help with a few last-minute orders.”
“Oh. He told me to meet him here.” He probably assumed I wouldn’t leave work until closer to my usual time of six thirty or seven. I shift uncomfortably in my flats. After my blowup earlier, I owe him that apology. Big-time. “I can come back later—”
“Cass, don’t be ridiculous. Come in. Or would you rather melt into a puddle walking around in this heat?” Opening the door wider, he sweeps his arm in invitation. A blast of AC washes across my overheated skin, and I nearly moan.
“Okay, twist my arm.” I step into the blessedly cool shop. A woof and a grunt sounds from behind the counter, and a familiar brown-and-white dog waddles over, tail wagging. Crouching, I stroke his short, thick fur. “Hey there, Captain.”
“The Colonel,” Perry corrects.