There was an honesty Charlotte held to that Sutton found breathtaking. She honestly believed it was the edge Charlotte held over so many other politicians. Of course, she held the Thompson name, which was impossible to ignore. She held over a decade of experience in different governmental positions, too, which would be foolish to discount.
But there was a truth to Charlotte, a comportment with which she held herself, that made her feel so trustworthy. Sutton had long thought so, even when she was watching Charlotte on the television throughout the years they hadn’t been in contact.
And, she’d give it to Charlotte: Even though she’d broken Sutton’s heart all those years ago, she’d never once lied to her.
Sutton knew Charlotte had never saidI love youto another woman before, had never even come close to it. Because the weight of those words meant something to her.
But she loved Sutton.
That circular thought, along with the way her mother quietly hummed, brought her back to the moment at hand.
“I don’t doubt that she loves you,” Katherine finally allowed as Sutton focused her gaze back on her phone. “And I can see as clear as day that you love her as well.”
“Then… can you just be happy for me?” Sutton asked, feeling all too much like a younger version of herself, seeking her mom’s approval.
Then again, she wasn’t sure that desire ever really disappeared. Whether she was ten, twenty, or forty, she wanted her mother to believe in her.
“Can you support me in pursuing this relationship with Charlotte, even if you still have reservations?” she persisted. “Can you believe that there’s a reason I believe in this when I haven’t believed, evenslightly,in another romantic relationship since Layla? Because not only does she love me and Lucy, but she treats us well, and I know she’s dedicated to making this work. And so am I.”
She stared at her mother for a few seconds, waiting for her response.
Even if she’d yet to downloadallof the details to her mom—she’d told her about Charlotte showing up to Lucy’s school, about her going to dinner with Layla, but she’d yet to discuss Charlotte’s future political plans, as that still felt a little hazy—she knew that there was no reason her mother could possibly grasp in the present day to hold a grudge against Charlotte.
Which she got in the form of a nod and smile finally finding a home on her mother’s face. It was small but genuine and warm, and it was all Sutton needed for her shoulders to relax.
“I can believe that. And I do want the very best for you, honey. If that’s Charlotte Thompson, then it’s Charlotte Thompson.”
Sutton hadn’t known how much she’d needed to hear that; relief and gratitude twisted together inside of her as she returned her mom’s smile. “Thank you.”
Her mom nodded at her again, giving her an appraising look. “Now, where are you and Charlotte going tonight?”
“There’s a charity event, one that’s raising money for one of the initiatives Charlotte worked on. The one regarding building residences for the unhoused?”
“Ah, yes,” Katherine assented. “Send me the details later; we’ll donate.”
That grateful relief sharpened as she smiled down at her mom. “Thanks. I will.”
“All right, sweetheart, I won’t keep you. Have fun tonight. Call me later this week to check in whenever you’re free.”
“I will,” she promised. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. I’m looking forward to seeing Charlotte in a couple of weeks, when we visit for your birthday.”
Quite literally as soon as she ended the call, she received another incoming request from Regan. If her best friend wasn’t currently watching her daughter, she wouldn’t have answered, but…
“Is everything okay with Lucy?” she asked as soon as she answered, looking at Regan for any sign of concern.
She found none as her best friend nodded. “Of course. Your progeny is with my incredible wife, picking out the books she wants for bedtime.”
Sutton unceremoniously put her phone on the top of her dresser then, returning her attention to the mirror as she combed her fingers through her hair. She’d loosely curled it for the night, opting to leave it down. “And you’re calling me exactly a minute before I need to leave or run the risk of being late because…?”
“Because, Sutton, you haven’t gotten laid in forever, and I need to see your dress and ensure that you’re wearing something Charlotte can’t resist tearing off of you later.” Regan’s tone read asduh, even if she didn’t voice it.
Feeling herself blush, Sutton cut Regan a look. Even if she couldn’t verbally disagree.
Because, honestly, the situation was getting dire.
Sutton had gone for literal years without sex with a person other than herself following her divorce, and it hadn’t really bothered her. She had been busy with work and Lucy, and she’d never enjoyed casual hookups. The entire first go-around with Charlotte was the only time she’d ever tried that route, and she’d failed spectacularly at it.
