Unfamiliar.
It almost hurts.
I should put the phone down.
I should let silence answer for me.
Instead, I type two words.
ME: Goodnight, bella.
Then I send it before I change my mind.
The line is open now.
God help me, I want it to stay that way.
Chapter Ten
Mia
“Mama, have you seen my right boot?”
I grab my purse from the hook by the mudroom door, then spot the missing boot tipped sideways beneath the bench.
“How in the world did you get your boots in two separate locations, honey?” I ask, handing it to her.
Livy hops on one foot as she pulls it on. “I had to pee really bad when I wore them last, and I was in a rush. But I remembered my country-girl manners and took them off before running through the house.”
“Country-girl manners, huh?” I chuckle. “Do those manners include keeping your cute little country-girl nose out of my dating life?”
Her head snaps up, and I realize my mistake immediately.
“Dating life?” she asks.
“I didn’t say dating life.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I saiddailylife.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I might have.”
“You definitely did not.”
I close my eyes for half a second. “Livy.”
She grins while tugging her backpack onto one shoulder. “Are you dating Mr. Maverick?”
“No.”
“Do you want to date Mr. Maverick?”
“No.”
She tilts her head.
