Page 96 of Never Really Over

“He’s a trip, huh?”

“He is, but something about working from home has brought it out even more. And I think that he loves it here, too. Maybe the fresh air is making him go a little looney.”

I follow Layla and Poppy inside and I stop in my tracks. It’s strange being in this house again. It’s the first time I’ve been here since Layla and I broke up and so much has changed. Well, I’ve only seen the kitchen which has been fully remodeled.

But something is exactly the same.

The scent.

Apple pie.

“Smells amazing in here, Maureen.”

She turns from the stove with a smile. “Thanks, Colt. You met Stan?”

“We met,” Stan says, coming to stand next to Maureen.

I share a look with Layla. If I didn’t know better, I think Maureen’s the reason Stan loves it here. Layla shrugs but I can see she’s thinking the same as me. And the way she’s so casual about it tells me she’s not upset by the thought of her mom and Stan being together, either.

“There are some toys in the living room for Poppy if you want to show her around so she’s comfortable. Supper won’t be ready for a little bit yet. Stan’s going to grill some burgers, hope that’s okay?”

“Sounds great.”

“Good. You kids go on. Layla, I’m sure Colt would love to see all the improvements I’ve made around here.”

“Okay, Mom.”

I laugh as we walk out of the kitchen and whisper, “You just got dismissed by your mom. She and Stan must want some privacy.”

She wrinkles her nose. “Right? They’re so obvious.”

“Bother you at all?”

She turns her head to the side. “Why would it bother me?”

“Your boss and your mom.” I shrug. “If it doesn’t work out, it could be awkward.”

“I know, but I also know Mom and Stan. Neither of them would even consider being together if they weren’t sure.”

“Wow. That’s… kind of impressive.”

Layla takes Poppy’s fist and splays out her hand, kissing her palm several times. “What is?”

“How chill you are about it. It almost seems like you want them to be together.”

Once we’re in the living room, she places Poppy on the floor. We sit on the couch next to each other and Poppy stands in front of me, her hands on my knees. I’m sure she’s unsure of her surroundings so I’m not surprised that she hasn’t toddled off to play yet.

Layla lowers her voice. “Mom’s been alone a really long time. Stan has, too. They’re good for each other. He makes her laugh and she seems to make him really happy, too. They trust each other, too. That takes a lot for my mom, you know?”

“Yeah.”

“Poppy, do you want to see some of the toys we bought?”

She grins at Layla and they walk hand in hand to the corner of the living room. Just like the kitchen, this room is totally different. Newly remodeled but still homey.

“I like the updates Maureen has made.”

From her place on the floor by Poppy, she smiles up at me. “She did a great job, didn’t she?”

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