Page 21 of Heatwaves

I nod, trying to keep myself from rolling my eyes. It probably would get my mom off my back for a bit. There’s no telling just how long that would be, but anything is better than nothing.

Maybe I can get Chloe to come in early tomorrow and again on Sunday if we don’t get a chance to get through everything. As much as I hate the idea of doing that to her, it might just be the best option.

Reaching for my phone, I send a quick message to Chloe. A sigh of relief slips from my lips when she responds it would be better for her if we did that as well.

Mom comes in then, carrying a casserole dish I know is filled with lasagna. I wasn’t just kissing her ass when I told her no one cooks like her, and her lasagna is my favorite. I’ve tried making it myself, following her recipe exactly, but it never comes out the same. I’ll never understand it.

“It smells amazing,” I tell her as I head to the kitchen, knowing there will be garlic cheese bread and salad there. I grab the bowls she put them in, plus the dressings sitting beside them and carry them into the dining room. I smile as my dad pulls out Mom’s chair, pushing it in once she’s seated.

He’s been doing that for as long as I can remember. He also makes her plate before making his own to make sure she’s the first one to eat. There has never been any doubt in my mind about how devoted he is to her.

I want that for myself one day.

Ten years ago, I thought I’d found that.

Shaking my head to rid myself of those thoughts, I set everything on the table beforesettling into my seat. I wait until Dad is finished making Mom’s plate before I start making mine. She worked hard for this meal, and I’m with Dad—she should be the first one to taste the fruits of her labor.

“I reached out to Chloe, and we’re going to meet early tomorrow so I can make it to the meet and greet,” I tell my mom, a smile on my face.

She smiles back, practically beaming. “I’m so glad to hear that, Lila. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

My back immediately goes up. “Mom, I’ve told you I don’t want to be set up.”

“Oh, no, honey.” Dad laughs. “This isn’t someone she’s trying to set you up with. I can promise you that.”

“Oh?” Eyebrows lifted, I turn back to my mom.

Is my mom blushing right now?

She ducks her head for a moment, her lips moving as if she’s talking to herself before meeting my eyes. “Your father and I have met someone. He’s been helping me through my heats for the last couple of years. After last year, the three of us decided we wanted to see if therewas more between us than just my heat, and there is.”

For a moment, all I can do is blink at her. “You and Dad?”

“Yes, honey. We’re both interested in Miguel.”

I nod slowly, trying to wrap my head around the fact that my parents are dating someone. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy. Congratulations? Is that what I say in this situation? Shit. Sorry, Mom. It slipped out. I just wasn’t expecting this. If you’d told me this is why you wanted me to come, I would’ve rearranged my schedule.”

“I wasn’t sure how you’d react,” she says slowly as Dad reaches over to squeeze her hand. “Your dad said you’d be fine with it, but I guess I was scared.”

“That’s understandable. The two of us butt heads more often than not, but even when that happens, I still love you, and I always want you to be happy. I’m looking forward to meeting this Miguel guy.” I shoot her a smile before diving into my lasagna, and it’s just as good as I remembered it being. “This is so freaking good, Mom.”

She laughs. “You don’t need to tell me that every time I make it, but thank you. I know it’s your favorite.”

And just like that, all the tension is gone. I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that my parents are seeing someone, but that’s my problem and not theirs. It’s something I’ll need to work through on my own, and if I have doubts, I’ll never let them know.

At least this means the meet and greet won’t be completely wasted. There’s always a possibility I won’t be able to find anyone to go through my heat with as the meet and greet tends to be for older people now—not that I have problems with older men in the least—but I know I’ll have Heat Assist to lean on to find someone. Or, more likely, multiple someones.

It’s kind of nice not to be arguing with my mom for once. Let’s hope that can carry over into tomorrow.

Pulling into the parking lot, I’m already ready to go home. It’s not like it’s far—just down the road, in fact.

Unfortunately, I know that’s not an option. I promised my mom I’d be here, so here I am. At least I was able to get Chloe’s training mostly finished. We’re both going to pop back in for a few hours tomorrow afternoon, but that’s easy enough.

I pull the rearview mirror down so I can check my makeup. It looks good enough—even if my eyes show just how tired I am.

I’m only here to meet my parents’ new guy. The chances of me meeting anyone here are slim to none. I meant to check Heat Assist before I got here, but there’s no time for that now. The meet and greet is already underway, and if I don’t get my ass out there soon, Mom isgoing to kill me. I’ll just have to check the app afterward.

Pushing open the door, I run my hands over my sundress. It’s nothing fancy, but hopefully, it’ll appease my mom. I make sure my car’s locked before heading down to the beach.

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