Page 102 of Let You Love Me

“And what about you? Did you have ablast?” She hip checks me, and I know where this is headed.

“Yes, Mom.” I roll my eyes. “I had fun.”

“He’s so cute, isn’t he? Like a blonder, curly haired Hemsworth brother.” She hums while I gape at her.

“Mother,” I gasp

“What? I do have eyes, dear.”

I chuckle and cross my arms over my chest, my gaze shifting to the front door, itching to get back to him but not wanting to seem too eager. “It’s not like that.”

She tilts her head. “You sure?”

“Yeah, of course.” I shrug. “We’re just friends.”

“A male friend whom you haven’t known your whole life takes you and your daughter to an exhibit nearly all day that’s solely forher, and he just wants to be friends?” Her brows rise. “Bullshit.”

“Mom!” I gasp.

Dolly Turner never swears.

“Just saying, dear,” she pats me on the side of the arm. “It might be something to think about.”

“There’s nothing to think about.” Though the lingering ache in my chest says otherwise, and judging by her sly grin, she knows it. “Besides, Dad would kill him, and it would totally ruin his chances on the team.”

“If you say so.”

I know she doesn’t believe me, but there’s no point in standing here trying to convince her, so instead, I simply say, “I should probably go out and say good night. He switched Sophie’s car seat, and I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

“Yes, you do that.” Mom flashes me a thumbs up, then casually glances at her watch. “Hey, it’s early, only seven o’clock. Why not go out and have some fun?”

I pause at the door, searching for a reason to say no. “I probably shouldn’t in case Sophie wakes up.”

“I raised one child perfectly fine. I think I can handle my grandchild.”

“Yeah, but I have class tomorrow and he has practice—”

“Oh my gosh, Lane.” Mom steps forward and gives me a little shake. “Would you, for once, stop acting like an old lady and let loose a little?”

I stiffen. “I amnotacting like an old lady.”

Mom crosses her arms and glares at me with a look that saysProve it.

“I have responsibilities. I have to wake up early, and Sophie—”

“Will be just fine asleep in her bed with me to watch over her.” Mom places her hands on my arms and spins me around toward the door. “This is the perks of having grandma nearby.”

“But, Mom—”

“No buts. Go. For once, let someone help you out. For once, do something for yourself and spend some time with that beautiful man out there.”

“I don’t want to be selfish,” I say, peering at her over my shoulder.

Big mistake. She glares at me so hard, I physically wince.

“It isnotselfish to do something just for you sometimes, and it’s also not irresponsible to accept help. Iwantto be with Sophie. Now, act like a young college student and go out with that fine young man.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, doubt creeping into my voice.

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