Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“Well, that’s an easy fix.” I took his little hand in mine and led him back over to the blankets. “Let’s find you something to eat.”
We each sat down, and Mom and Dalton waited as I started unpacking the picnic basket. I laid out all the chips and snacks, then handed them each a sandwich and a drink. They both dove in while I unwrapped my PB&J. I was just about to take my first bite when Mom leaned over to me and whispered, “Have you gone out on any dates recently?”
“Not unless you count an early morning run to Target where I spent twenty minutes talking to the janitor in the bathroom.”
“Oh, Londyn.” Mom shook her head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“What? He was a really nice guy, and he gave me some really great advice on how to get the stains out of my tile.”
My dating life was a topic that I’d been trying to avoid since I got there. Not because I didn’t want to discuss it with her. I didn’t care about that. I knew I could talk to her about anything. I just didn’t know how to tell her that I wasn’t interested in getting back out there and dating again, so I tried playing it off. Sadly, it didn’t work.
“This isn’t a joke, Londyn.” She glanced over at Dalton as she fussed, “You have your son to consider.”
“I do consider him. I consider him every day. You know that.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do, but it doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in dating right now,” I replied firmly, trying to make her understand.
“How long are you going to let Malcomb keep this hold over you?”
“This isn’t about Malcomb,” I fussed. “It’s about me and what I want.”
“Exactly... Don’t you want someone to share your life with?” Mom persisted. “You are still young. You have your whole life in front of you. I hate the thought of you living it alone.”
“I’m not alone. I have my friends, you and Dad, and Dalton,” I said, gesturing towards him. “That’s all I need right now.”
Dalton looked up from his sandwich and stared at me intently. I knew he was taking everything in, even though he was only four. He was a smart kid, and I didn't want him growing up thinking that he needed a man in his life to be happy.
Mom seemed to sense my hesitance and softened her tone.
“Okay, fine. I won’t say any more,” Mom sighed, looking defeated. “I just want you to be happy.”
“I know, and you’re sweet for worrying. But I’m good.” I motioned my head towards Dalton as I added, “We both are.”
Right on cue, Dalton looked up at Mom and gave her the biggest, cheesiest smile possible. I gave him a quick fist bump, then got busy eating my sandwich and chips. Once we were done with lunch, we cleaned up and took one last stroll. Dalton added a few shells to his collection, and then we headed back to the house.
Dalton was exhausted, so I put him in his room and turned on his favorite TV show. I made sure he was settled, then I went to my room and changed clothes. I was about to go put away everything from our picnic when my phone chimed with a message. I quickly grabbed it from my purse, and a smile crossed my face when I glanced down at the screen and saw that Skylar had messaged me.
Skylar:
Hey, stranger.
Me:
Hey! How’s the bride-to-be?
Skylar:
I’m good. Crazy busy with wedding stuff, but good.
I wanted to see when you were planning to come into town.
Me:
I’m already here.
I’m between cases, so I came a few days early to visit with the folks.
Skylar:
Perfect!
Some of the old crew is getting together on Friday, and it wouldn’t be the same without you.
Me:
I’ll be there.
Just let me know when and where.
Skylar:
Yay!
I can’t wait to see you.
Me:
You too!
See ya Friday!
I collapsed on the bed and immediately dialed Jackson’s number. It rang a couple of times and then he answered, “Hello there, Tinkerbell. How you making it over there in the big city?”
“I’m making it.”
“That didn’t sound very convincing.”
“Skylar just messaged me about going out Friday night.”
“And that’s a problem?”
“Not exactly.” I let out an exaggerated sigh, then explained, “I want to see her, but I’m not exactly thrilled about catching up with her in a crowded bar with a bunch of our old high school friends.”
“It might do you some good to get out and have a little fun. Lord knows you never have any fun around here.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I replied with a shrug.
“Who knows... you might actually meet someone.”
“Like that will ever happen.”
“You never know.”
“When was the last time I met someone at a bar?”
“When was the last time you actually went to a bar?” he scoffed. “You’re always too busy working or writing or whatever to actually get out and meet people.”