Page 27 of Stay for Me
“Because I want to know.”
Luke and I used to joke all the time about how each of our children was exactly like one of us. Melanie has my red hair and keen eye. She notices things, observes people, and always wants to help. It’s also a bit scary because, if she is like me, she also knows what the hell I’m thinking and not saying.
“I think he’s extremely kind and generous. He made Sebastian very happy, and now he’s going to help with the play.” I give a very non-answer, answer. “I think that Jacob is everything that Hollywood says he’s not.”
“Maybe, but he is really hot.”
I burst out laughing. “There’s that too.”
“So, you like him?”
“Sure. He’s nice and is doing something for your brother.”
“Okay, but like, do you like him, like him?”
“Melanie . . .”
The thing is, I do like him. I like him a lot more than I ever thought possible. I have a million reasons why I shouldn’t think about him that way, but my heart doesn’t seem to care. I also don’t lie to my daughter, which means I have to evade this.
“I like him, but no different from how I like Aunt Cybil.”
She laughs. “I don’t believe you.”
Good. I don’t believe myself either.
Her hand covers mine and Melanie looks up at me. “I know I’m just a kid and don’t know much about this stuff, but I think about that movie we watched and how she was so afraid.”
“She was. It’s really scary when all of a sudden you don’t have a husband anymore. The feelings for or attraction to anyone else isn’t a betrayal. All of that is terrifying.”
That’s the part of myself that I keep trying to convince, the one that doesn’t quite believe I am single. Regardless of the ring that’s on my hand, that man is gone. He will never return to me, and I am not sure how to get my mind around it.
Melanie wraps her arms around her middle. “Well, I know that Aunt Cybil is your best friend, but I love you, Mom. If you’re scared, I can help.”
I have the best kids in the world. “You are a very sweet girl.”
“You’re young and very pretty.”
“Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome, but your clothes suck.”
I laugh. “I’m sure Aunt Cybil agrees.”
She nods. “Oh, she does. She thinks you dress like an old lady. Although, if you ever start wearing clothes like Grandma, I’m having you committed.”
“If I ever wear anything that looks like it should be skinned, you have my permission to.”
“It’s a deal. Anyway, I think you should wear something cute. Even if you don’tlikeJacob, you should still look hot.”
I’m afraid to ask, but I can’t seem to stop myself. “Why should I look hot?”
Her head tilts to the side and shrugs. “It just sounded like something Aunt Cybil would say.”
At that, I laugh. “Yeah it really did.” I pull her close and kiss the top of her head. “Now, help me find something to wear that doesn’t make you cringe.”
She looks down at the pile. “That might not happen.”
Chapter Eight
