Me: Hmm. I watch a lot of British television. I may be immune to it.
Arlo: Then I guess I’ll have to find other ways to charm you.
River emerged from the building, and I quickly typed out another message.
Me: I have to pick up my son from school. This Thursday at 2 p.m. work?
I’d added the part about River intentionally. Though it was clearly stated in my profile that I was a mom, I was done messing around. If Arlo was cool with the fact that I had a son, then he wouldn’t be scared away. And if he was—then I’d be saving us both some time.
Arlo: No worries. I’m looking forward to it.
I smiled. So far, no red flags. It looked like we were good to go.
River opened the door to the back seat, and I glanced at him. “Hey, kiddo! How was school?”
“Fine.” He lifted a shoulder, buckling himself in.
I frowned, watching him in the rearview mirror. Usually, he skipped out to the car and wouldn’t stop talking about his day.
“Riv?” I asked. “Everything okay?”
He shrugged but said nothing, which only deepened my frown. I wasn’t going to force him to talk, but I hated seeing him so upset and not being able to help him. Not even knowing what was wrong.
And no matter what I tried, he was silent the entire drive. When we got home, he went straight to his room and shut the door. I gave him a minute, and then I knocked.
“Hey, Riv? You want a snack?”
I leaned against the door, waiting for any sound.
“I’m fine.” His voice was muffled, and I wondered if he was crying into a pillow. I stood there, debating whether to go in or give him his space. I didn’t want to make it worse, but it was so hard not to just barge in and demand to know what was going on. To try to make him feel better.
I heard the back door open and shut and headed back down the hall to the kitchen. Bennett took one look at me and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. River’s upset about something, but he won’t talk to me.”
He frowned, setting his bag and coffee thermos on the counter. “Do you think he’ll talk to me?”
“Thanks, but it’s not your problem,” I huffed. “I’m his mom. I’ll figure it out.”
“Wren.” He rounded the counter, coming over to me and rubbing my arms. It felt so good, so nice, to be touched. To have his support. “You are his mom, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Let me help.”
He was right. I knew he was right. So, I nodded. River loved Bennett, trusted him. And I did too.
Crap. Love?
I pushed away the thought. I had a date with Arlo. I was notin lovewith Bennett. I loved the idea of him.
Bennett walked down the hall to River’s room and knocked gently. He said something, and then River must have told Bennett he could come in because Bennett pushed open the door and went inside. I tiptoed down the hall to listen at the door, careful to keep myself hidden from view. I wasn’t sure whether to be hurt that River had let Bennett in when he hadn’t wanted me or relieved. But as I heard River talking, I knew I was relieved. Definitely relieved.
I’d always known that River would face challenges the older he got. People wouldn’t understand his desire to dress the way he did or enjoy the things he did. But I’d always strived to show him nothing but acceptance and unconditional love. The fact that Bennett seemed to do the same—automatically—well…my heart squeezed in my chest.
“It’s nothing.” River blew out a breath, and I tried to focus on the conversation. “Some of the boys in PE were just messing around.”
I clenched my fists. I should’ve known this was coming. I should’ve prepared him better. But how?
“What did they say?” Bennett asked, his tone surprisingly calm.
“You know…” River paused. “Stupid stuff about how I was girlie and gay.”
