Page 29 of This Feeling

I tried not to laugh and failed.

“What’s wrong with your mother?” Declan asked.

Rolling her eyes, Brystol replied, “My mother is the biggest stick-her-nose-in-your-business kind of busybody. She would arrange my entire life for me if it were up to her. She’s actually tried…onmanyoccasions. Including giving me a list of single men in the surrounding area who she thinks would be a good fit for me. She has an opinion on what age I should marry and start giving her grandkids. I’ve passedbothof those ages, by the way. Oh, and one time she sent me a list of foods I should be eating and a workout plan she whipped up for me to make me more fertile. I’d have to be having sex for that to even matter.”

Declan’s brows shot up and his mouth fell open. When he looked my way, I nodded.

“It’s bad.”

“Holy shit. And I thoughtmymother was bad.”

“Mrs. Duggan is Judith Turner’s sister.”

“Liam’s mom?” Declan asked.

Brystol and I both nodded.

Declan whistled. “Last I heard from Liam, his mother was so far up his ass, he felt like he needed to ask her permission to take a shit.”

Brystol crinkled her nose, and I laughed.

“So talking to your mother is off the table,” Declan said. “Do you have any other family member you could go to about this?”

Brystol started pacing again. “My dad, but I don’t think he’d get it.”

“Probably not,” Declan stated. “I think you should avoid guys. I mean, I would think a woman would understand what you’re going through more.”

My heart warmed at how sweet Declan was being. He could have shut the door in our faces and not even let us in. But he had, and he was sitting here listening to his landlord’s drama. Yes, he knew Brystol, but I highly doubted he knew herthatwell.

“What aboutmymom?” I offered. “She adores you, and, well…she’s had four kids.”

Brystol chewed on her lip, then glanced at Declan.

He held up his hands. “Don’t look at me. I’ve got nothing to add, other than you should trust Harper.”

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. Declan winked, and I had to force myself not to sigh.

“I’m so sorry to burden you both with this. I just…I didn’t know what to do. And I’m sorry to drag you into this, Declan.”

“No worries at all. I’m glad I was able to supply the alcohol.”

With a soft laugh, Brystol leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You provided a lot more than that. Thank you.”

A rush of jealousy zipped through me.

What in the hell is that about?I quickly stood.

“Is everything okay?” Brystol asked me.

“Yes!” I said, much too quickly. “I should get back to the flower shop. I have some arrangements that need to be made. But I’m here for you if you need anything or want to talk.”

Brystol hugged me. “Thanks, Harper. I’ll walk out with you.”

Declan stood and walked to the door, opening it for us. “Let’s hope no one sees the two of you leaving. Can you imaginethoserumors?”

Brystol let out a bark of laughter while she headed down the steps. I quickly looked up and down the back alley. “Do you think anyone saw us coming up?”

Declan laughed. “I was kidding, Harp.”

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