Abby smiles at my praise. “Thanks, Tyler. And thank you for these flowers.”
A woman and teenage girl approach, and I recognize the name when Abby exclaims, “Amelia!”
“Hey, Amelia!” Jo says, and she turns to the woman,introducing herself as Amelia’s art teacher and Abby’s mom. They exchange small talk for a few seconds, but my ears perk up when Amelia asks if Abby can spend the night with them.
The two girls turn to Jo expectantly.
“I dunno, Abs. It’s a school night.”
“I promise we’ll go to bed early. We’ll even study for the math test. I swear, Mom. Please, please,please,” Abby pleads, hands laced together.
After multiple reassurances from Amelia’s mom, Jo agrees as Jay runs up asking to stay at a friend’s house, too.
“Might as well since your sister cajoled me into a sleepover. But we need to get both of you a change of clothes and your school bags.”
Meanwhile, all I keep thinking is that Jo will be home alone tonight. How will she spend that time? Will she read till she falls asleep, indulging in a glass of wine? Would she prefer to spend the night alone or could she use some company?
My parents and I climb into my car, and I drive them to their motel. My dad took all the time off he could, so they head back to Texas in the morning. Austin’s mom has decided she’ll stay here a while longer to spend more time with Austin and Cassie, though.
Dad and I hug first, and when we part, I wrap my arms around my mom, squeezing her tight. Then she breaks the hug, cupping my face in her hands, her eyes brimming with mischief. “I expect full reports onOperation Woo Josie.”
“We’ll see, Mom. We’ll see. Love you.”
“Love you, too, son.”
“Love you, Tyler,” my dad adds, clapping me on the back. He leans in and whispers, “I’ll try to rein your momin, but I agree. Get that girl, son. That family needs you and you need them. You’ve been alone too long.”
“I’ll try, Dad,” I say, my voice rougher than I’d like.
I sit in the motel parking lot even after my parents have closed their room door, my dad’s words threading through my thoughts. He’s not wrong. I’ve been alone for a while, and somewhere along the way, I made peace with it. Sure, I’ve had women in my life, but I’d basically given up searching for that spark that brings you to life.
Until now.
Being with Jo makes me feel alive in ways I never thought were possible.
Finally, I head to the apartment, a tight knot of dread forming like it does every time I come back to this place. Being a random week night you’d think the bar would be empty, but every parking spot on the street is full when I drive past. Looks like I have another noisy night ahead of me. Making a few quick loops around the block, I cross my fingers that a parking spot will open up, but honestly I can’t stomach the idea of a night there. I turn into the diner parking lot and put it in park, grabbing my phone from the console.
Maybe Jowouldactually like some company tonight.
I can’t remember the last night I was completely child-free. What do moms even do when their kids aren’t home? I’m torn between a bath and a glass of wine, or a quick shower and my new romance book in bed. Or, should I bingeSuitsso I can fantasize about my why-choose plot starring me, Harvey, and Mike? Hmm…decisions, decisions, decisions.
I could always call and see what Tyler’s up to. After whatever that was at the band concert, I wouldn’t mind more time with him.
And like he read my thoughts, my phone lights up with his name on the screen.
“Hey, you.” My flirting skills are rusty at best, but I try adding a flirty lilt to my words.
“Hey, Jo.” He clears his throat. “So, um, the bar is pretty loud, and you can say no if you’d rather not, but I’d love to hang out tonight if you don’t have plans.”
I smile into the phone, picturing Tyler, fed up with the noise of Old Town Tavern.
“Well…” I drag out the word. “I was planning a hot date with Harvey Specter.” Silence on his end. “From the showSuits?”
“Ahh,” he says, realization in his tone. “Say no more. I’ll let you enjoy that hot date.”
I gather a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Without my kids here, there’s a few directions a night alone with Tyler could take. We could get to know each other better, for one. That’d be a good thing—no, a great thing. Then there’s the possibility of…other things. If I’m being honest, a large part of me likes the idea of letting whatever happens happen tonight.
“Wanna come over?”
