Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
“Your father exposing you to a revolving door of random women is precisely why I didn’t want to tell you about Grayson. Not until I’m sure he’s going to be around for the long haul. You’ve already had enough random people coming in and out of your life. You don’t need yet another random one, supplied by me.”
“But Grayson isn’t some ‘random’ guy at this point, obviously. After all this time, you and Grayson must care a lot about each other—unlike Dad and all of his gold diggers.” He rolls his eyes. “I’d actually like to meet this guy to make sure he’s good enough for you.”
“Oh, he is. Grayson is so sweet. He treats me with total respect and kindness.”
Drew narrows his eyes, like something I’ve said doesn’t add up. “Then why keep him a secret for so long? Is there something about him you’re still not sure about, like maybe you’re making sure he’s not after your money?”
“No, I’m positive Grayson cares about me for all the right reasons. He doesn’t even know about my money. I mean, he knows I was married to your father, so I’m sure he supposes I’m fairly well off. But he’s never even been to the house, and when I see him, I drive the Acura, instead of the Mercedes or the Porsche. I’ve never told him about Grandpa or even about my company. He thinks I work for a design company.”
Drew furrows his brow. “Why haven’t you told him the truth? If he can’t handle Grandpa or knowing you’re a badass businesswoman, then he’s not the right guy for you, Mom. You always tell me not to change myself to make someone like me. So, follow your own advice.”
“I don’t change myself for Grayson. That’s what makes my relationship with him so special. I’m totally myself with him, which I’ve been able to be since day one, since we’ve never had to talk about things that might be distracting or intimidating.”
Drew isn’t buying it. He flashes me a skeptical look I know all too well, since I frequently flash him the same one. “What aren’t you telling me?” he asks. “Has he been to prison?”
I laugh. “No.”
“Does he have a few baby mommas or something?”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that.” I take a deep breath. “The only tiny glitch is that Grayson is quite a bit younger than me.”
Drew’s eyebrows ride up. “How much younger?”
I twist my mouth. “He just turned twenty-six.”
Drew’s face lights up. “Go, Mom. Holy shit.”
“Language, Drew,” I say. But there’s no authority in my tone. We both know that ‘holy shit’ was a perfect choice of words. When Drew rolls his eyes at my half-hearted chastisement, I add, “Grayson isn’t the ‘boy toy’ you’re probably envisioning. He’s incredibly grounded and confident in his own skin. And he’s smart, too. He created this amazing app that—"
“Mom, chill. Most of Dad’s girlfriends are even younger than your dude. I’m not the one you have to convince. This is your hang-up, not mine.”
I blush. “The thing is, I can’t very well roll my eyes at your Peter Pan father, while doing exactly the same thing as him. And yet, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”
“Pfft. You’re not doing the same thing as Dad. His girlfriends don’t give a crap about him. Every single one of them thinks he’s their meal ticket. I mean, if you don’t really want to be with this guy, in your heart of hearts, that’s fine. But if you’re using his age or me as an excuse to—”
“No. I want to be with Grayson, without a doubt. He’s the best, kindest, funniest, most loyal man I’ve ever known, and I couldn’t find anyone better for me in ten lifetimes.”
Drew raises his arms, his face clearly saying, “Then, what the fuck is the problem?”
I pause, gathering my thoughts. “I guess I figured things were going so well with him, why change anything that might rock the boat?”
Drew ponders that for a brief moment, before shrugging and saying, “It seems to me it wouldn’t be the worst idea to rock the boat after a while to make sure it’s as sturdy as you think it is.” Again, he shrugs. “But what do I know? I’m fourteen.”
I purse my lips and think, “Out of the mouths of babes.”
Drew slides his hands into his jean pockets. “All I’m saying is you don’t need to hide your boyfriend on my account.” He winks and grins wickedly. “You’re a smart woman, Mom. I trust your judgment.”
I narrow my eyes. Drew is echoing something I regularly say to him: “You’re a smart kid, Drew. I trust your judgment.”
“Thanks,” I say.
Drew gestures toward the staircase. “Now, go on. Your ‘naughty boy’ is waiting for you with an extra-dirty vodka martini.”
The little fucker. With my cheeks burning, I start walking toward the staircase, far too embarrassed to look my son in the eyes as I go.