Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“I feel better than I have in years. Maybe even the best I have,” she replies, and she even looks the part as she straightens herself in the frame of the screen. “Through these other women’s stories, I’m learning about my boundaries. That I invite people to treat me a certain way because I don’t set any.”
Austin is rubbing my shoulders because I’m getting emotional again.
“We’re so happy for you,” Austin says when I have trouble forming words.
When I finally get myself together, I meet my mom’s eyes. Her cheeks are red and stained with tears. “Thanks for calling and telling me all this.”
“Except I might’ve spoiled your plans again.”
“You didn’t, but even if you had, this would’ve been worth it.”
Austin grips my hand and nods.
“The thing is, you’re right about me avoiding relationships and not putting myself out there. I’ve been ignoring some signs myself.”
Mom’s eyebrows draw together. “What do you mean?”
“Well, for example…I’ve been pretending I’m not madly in love with my best friend.”
“Austin?” Mom squeals.
I nod, feeling choked up as Austin kisses my cheek and says, “And I’ve been in love with Dex. We’re all a hot mess.”
Mom’s eyes soften. “So you two are officially dating?”
“We are,” I say proudly. “And I’m terrified but also so happy. The best part is that I still get to keep my best friend in the process.”
Mom claps and grins. “I’m thrilled for the two of you! Do your parents know yet, Austin?”
Austin’s face is flushed, which means he’s slightly embarrassed but also relieved. And that makes my heart balloon.
“I texted my parents last night, and they’re happy for us too.”
They also told us they’re not surprised.
“Guess we’re both lucky to have such supportive parents,” I tell Mom, and her smile says it all.
“You boys be good to each other.”
Once the call ends, we get in line for the bouncer at Shenanigans. That gives us enough time to process everything Mom told us.
Austin reaches for my hand and entangles our fingers. “I’m so thrilled your mom made those choices.”
“Me too.” Part of me wonders if Mom’s newfound outlook on relationships will last, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. And one she’s never taken before—at least not that I’ve heard of. If she continues to surround herself with supportive coworkers and friends, she just might buckle down and work on herself for a change. I was going to recommend she see a therapist too, but that’s a discussion for another day.
“I’m proud of you too, you know,” Austin says close to my ear.
“For what?”
“For setting boundaries with your mom. That must be hard.”
“It is.” Whether or not I’ll stick to them remains to be seen. Had the conversation not taken the turn it did, I might be feeling pretty glum right now. “But I feel so much lighter. Maybe the two of us can work on our relationship too.”
“So that you’re not always in the parent role?” Austin asks, and I stifle a gasp, not having realized he was aware I felt that way.
“Yeah.” I blow out a breath.
“It’s time to let someone take care of you for a change.”
“Oh yeah? How exactly do you plan to take care of me?” I ask in a flirty voice.
“Guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Austin winks, and I admit I like this confident side of him. The introverted side too. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When we get inside and head toward the stage, Kael flags us over. “It’s about time the two of you got here.”
Milo smirks and throws us a knowing glance.
“Bruh, why do I have a feeling you two have been ragging on us this whole time?”
“Guess you need to get here on time to know for sure,” Kael teases. “Better hurry and sign up before the list fills up.”
I find Austin’s ear. “You don’t have to join me tonight if you don’t want. I know how much socializing takes out of you. I’m just happy to be out with you and, later, go home with you.”
“Damn, you’re good to me.” He pecks my lips. “I’m willing to do one song, and this time, I’m gonna choose it.”
I smile as I watch him go off to sign us up and select the music. I’m going to guess that this time, we’re not going to struggle through an Adele song.
We chat with Milo and Craig for a while and make fun of Carson pretending to look cool on an air guitar next to the girl he brought along on a karaoke date. She’s laughing instead of rolling her eyes, so I guess that’s a good sign.
We cheer loudly and act like idiots when Kael and Angelica take their turn, and then we’re on deck. I’m suddenly nervous, wondering what Austin chose. Hopefully, it’s not some sappy ballad they play at wedding receptions. One I’ve heard way too many times. If Austin and I ever get married, I will veto the kind of reception I’m stuck working.