“I appreciate that,” Seth said, with a small smile playing on his lips. “But it’s not necessary. I would rather you just be honest with me.”

I bit my lip and thought about all the things I was not being honest with him about. “I’m sorry, Seth,” I said.

He smiled at me. “I knew you never really liked Cory much either… did you, Zo?” he asked.

“Um… is this a trick question?”

“I’m just curious,” Seth said. “Now that I’ve broken up with her, you guys are free to say exactly what you think and feel.”

I smiled. “Well, in that case… you’re right. She was completely wrong for you.”

“Why didn’t either of you ever say that to me before?” Seth asked.

“Because you wouldn’t have listened then,” Mom said. “Until you realized it yourself. All that would have done was get you pissed at both of us. We just had to wait until you figured things out for yourself.”

Seth sat back and sighed. “I’d like to argue, but there’s probably some truth in that.”

We all chuckled together, and everybody relaxed. I certainly did, until Mom turned to me with eyes bright with mischief. “So I think we need to get back to discussing the new man in Zo’s life.”

“Um, no,” I said immediately.

“New man?” Seth asked, with interest. “What’s this?”

“Nothing, nothing,” I said quickly. “Can we please not?”

“When did you even meet this new guy with your work… wait a second,” Seth said, as realization dawned. “You haven’t gotten involved with your roommate, have you?”

I gave him a guilty smile, and Seth shook his head at you. “Zo!”

“I’ve got it under control, okay?” I said. “We’re taking things slow.”

“You already live with the man.”

“We have separate rooms,” I said. “It’s not like we’ve taken this major step or anything.”

“Come on, Zo… now I have to meet this guy,” Seth insisted.

“And you will.” I nodded nervously. “Just not just yet.”

“Why not?” Mom asked teasingly. “Is he funny looking?”

“He’s very handsome,” I said. “In fact, I’m pretty sure you will both like him.”

“You’re sure I will like him?” Seth asked incredulously.

“Yes, I am,” I said. “I just want to make sure I know how I feel about him first… before I introduce him to the family.”

“I need to check this guy out.”

“You need to process your own breakup,” I said. “Instead of fixating on my relationship.”

“I’ve processed it just fine,” Seth said defensively.

“Please… you and Cory just broke up.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” Seth admitted.

“Really?” I asked. “She moved in only a couple of months ago. Why ask her to move in with you if you thought it wouldn’t last?”