Page 30 of Second Dance
I hurried downstairs but stopped halfway, listening for a moment to the conversation between Grace and Alex.
“Mom doesn’t get to go to nice places that often, so she’s super excited.”
“I’m pleased to take her out,” Alex said.
“Do your kids know about you and Mom? From before, I mean?”
“They do.” I detected caution in his tone. He didn’t want to say too much. Because they weren’t supportive? I really needed to keep my head about this whole thing. His children might never come around. They might try and sabotage us or cause trouble. Until we had their blessing, nothing could come of this. I vowed to get more information about their reactions at dinner. It was important I knew exactly what I was facing.
“Are they upset?” Grace asked.
A hesitation before he answered. “Bella’s not that excited about me dating, no.”
“It’s totally understandable,” Grace said. “But once they meet my mom, they’ll love her like everyone does.”
I walked the rest of the way downstairs, my heels making click clack noises on the wood floor.
They both turned to look at me as I reached the last step.
Grace grinned, clearly pleased with how I looked.
Alex tugged on his ear and tilted his head, never taking his eyes off me. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. Am I overdressed?”
Alex wore a pair of slacks and button down shirt with a blue blazer. “Not at all. You’re perfect.”
“We have cats. Are you allergic?” Grace asked.
“No, not that I know of,” Alex said.
“Do you have any pets?” Grace asked.
“Not at the moment, no,” Alex said.
“Do you want to see the kitchen?” Grace asked.
I hesitated, pulse quickening. What would he think of the home I was so proud of? Compared to his mansion, it might seem ridiculous.
“Sure, lead the way,” Alex said, as he followed my daughter into our kitchen, with me right behind.
“Here it is,” Grace said, gesturing with a flourish as if unveiling a stage set. “We spend a ton of time in here.”
Alex looked around my bright little kitchen with its gleaming farmhouse sink, open shelves lined with sea-glass bottles and vintage jars, light spilling through spotless windows. Would he think the warm wood counters that Lila had suggested to soften all the white were too “country?”
Alex’s eyes traveled slowly over the space, and his smile deepened. “It’s really special. You ladies have done a great job decorating.”
“Lila helped us,” Grace chirped. “That’s Mia’s mom. She’s an interior designer.”
“Lila Morgan Interiors, right?” Alex asked.
“That’s correct,” I said. “She’s really talented.”
“She’s going to be on TV,” Grace said. “A renovation show that features beach houses. Isn’t that so cool?”
“Very much so,” Alex said.
“Who decorated your house?” Grace asked.
