Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
MACKENZIE
“There you are, dear. Miles said he ran into you at Brewed.”
Crap, I almost made it . Cringing from the nasally voice ringing behind me, I place the groceries in my back seat and muster the fakest smile before turning to face the last person I want to see. Considering I was never good enough for her son back then, I’m sure her opinion of me hasn’t changed in these past eleven years. “Mrs. Morgan, it’s so good to see you. How have you been?”
She gives me a once-over, her gaze sharp and disapproving. I stand taller, refusing to let her intimidate me, even though part of me still craves her approval. A remnant of guilt for how things ended with Mark. When she and Miles came to Ethan’s funeral, they didn’t say much outside polite condolences. It didn’t matter at the time. I was too dazed to notice. Ethan and I may have been having marital problems, but his death still came as a shock. It hurts knowing my kids will never have that father figure in their life. Ethan may not have been around much, but he was still their dad. Now, they have no one.
“As you can imagine, we had to deal with the shock of losing Ethan. But life’s been treating us well. Mark and the other boys have etched a good life for themselves.” She pats my hand as if I’m a child. “Sorry we didn’t get to talk much during the funeral. We had to get back. You know Miles never likes to be away from those vines.”
“I remember. Thanks for showing up.”
Talking to her makes me edgy, my skin prickling with unease. I glance around the parking lot, searching for an escape but finding none. Her gaze drops to my empty ring finger, and her lips press into a thin line of disapproval.
“Yes, well, I feel so sorry for your boys. They really need their father.”
Her words hit like a slap, even though they echoed my thoughts at the time. My first instinct is to tell her my sons will be fine. Plenty of single mothers raise great kids. But arguing against this woman is futile. I hold my tongue.
“Mark’s a good father. He’s always doing everything with his son,” she says, adding salt to the wound.
“I’m not surprised. He has a good role model.” Too bad he’ll never know what a good mother is like.
“Yes, he does. Mark tells me your oldest is in the same soccer league as our little Toby.”
“It appears so.”
“And the new guy”—she taps her chin as if in thought—“Nate, I believe, brings him. Do you think that’s wise, dear? It’s so?—”
“He’s been a tremendous help. Especially since Mom’s taking care of Stan.” I feel the blood drain from my face. I should’ve known she’d go there. There’s no way I’m answering her question. It’s nothing but a trap. One I don’t want to get tangled in.
“Yes.” She drags out the word, making me cringe. Why do I always feel she’s talking down to me? “Such an unfortunate accident. Give them my best, would you?”
Taking this as my out, I flash another fake smile. “I certainly will, Mrs. Morgan. I’m heading there right now. You have a good day.”
Sliding into my car, I buckle in and exhale sharply. Ugh. She came close to saying the words I’ve dreaded hearing: It’s too soon. Part of me knows she’s right. But after that toe-curling, make-your- panties-wet kiss, I don’t care. Or rather, I hadn’t until Mrs. Judgy came along.
I grip the steering wheel tighter and press harder on the gas pedal. I can’t get to Mom’s house quick enough. But damn it. What if she’s right? Will the entire town think this way? I drive in an enraged haze, doubting every decision I’ve ever made. How can one woman get under my skin so badly?
“That woman is infuriating,” I declare as I stalk into Mom’s house and toss my purse on the couch.
“Who, dear?” Mom asks, glancing up from her knitting.
“Mrs. Morgan.”
Mom’s sigh is almost palpable as I pace alongside the sofa. “What did she say this time?”
I glance toward the den. Sounds from their video game resonate down the hallway. Yeah, my mom is the cool grandma who owns a PlayStation. Hence, one more reason the boys enjoy coming here. With zero chance of them overhearing, I continue in a hushed tone, “She commented about how inappropriate it is for Nate to take the boys to Liam’s practices.”
Mom lets out a harrumph. “I’m not surprised. That woman will never forgive you for breaking her son’s heart.”
“Good God, it’s been over a decade.”
“What can I say? She’s a bitch.”
“Mom!”
“I know, but I speak the truth. It may not seem like it now, but the best thing you did was dump that Mark. She would’ve been an awful mother-in-law.”
Her words ring true, but I can’t believe my mom voiced them. “She makes me feel so guilty about everything. As if I used bad judgment in every choice I’ve made.”
Like leaving Mark, wanting to divorce, and enjoying that kiss a little too much because I definitely wanted that kiss to lead to other things. Jesus, that man possesses perfect control. And if he can kiss that well, how good is he in other areas? I’m getting hot just thinking about it.
It’s only been a little over three months.
“You’re letting that woman get to you. Stop it right now. She’s nobody. If you had stayed, you would’ve been swallowed whole in this town. You needed to expand your wings first before knowing what you liked. I’m glad you’re back, but there’s a difference in you. You’re more settled.”
“You think so?”
“I do.” Mom’s eyes widen with interest. “Now, tell me about the hot, tattooed guy.”
“His name is Nate.” I fight the smile threatening to overtake my face, but I don’t think I win.
“I know, but I like my name for him better. Liam and Nick won’t stop talking about him. Your brother doesn’t share the same sentiment, though.”
“Not to burst your bubble, but nothing is going on.” Other than playing tonsil hockey. But it was only the one time. He hasn’t tried anything since.
“That may change.”
“Mom, it’s too soon to think about other men.” That reminder came at me like a slap to the face less than twenty minutes ago.
“Oh, I don’t know. You spent more time alone in your marriage than you did together. Don’t feel guilty if you’re ready to move on. You’ve been lonely for a very long time.”
Her words blindside me. How did she know? “How did you know that?”
“I could tell by your voice.”
I blink, stunned. “We had our share of problems.”
“The most important thing you can do is follow your heart. You know what’s best for you and those boys. Don’t let anyone, especially her, make you doubt that.”
“Thanks, Mom. It feels good to be reminded about that. ”
“Now, tell me about Mr. Hottie.”
I laugh and shake my head but indulge her anyway. I don’t know where things will go with Nate, but the hope bubbling in my stomach is a sensation I haven’t felt in years. Maybe it’s time to see where it leads.