Page 64 of One Wild Wish

But another impending disaster loomed larger: Jimmy’s meet-and-greet with my mom in a few hours.

My belly churned, the prospect of her horrified face souring my mood further. George and I walked at an even pace, both lost in our thoughts. He grunted in exertion, and I eyed my new friend. He was straightforward and as old-fashioned as they came. Maybe his opinion could prepare me for the worst.

“Can I ask you something, George?” He gave a sharp nod, and I swallowed. “Remember that advice I was after, about approving of your son’s girlfriend?”

His mustache twitched, but he didn’t reply.

“You made your opinion pretty clear. One I don’t agree with, by the way”—I shot him the evil eye—“but I’m taking my boyfriend to meet my mother tonight, and he’s the exact opposite of who she imagined me with.”

“Is there a question?”

I snickered at his snarkiness. “Yes, there is a question. What can I do to soften the blow for my mother? Anything that might help her get past the superficial stuff.”

He continued his soldier march, his paunch practically hitting the machine’s console. “Do you care for this boy?”

“I do,” I said quietly.

“Does he care for you?”

“Yes. I mean, I think he does. He says he does.” A flush crept up my neck, like I was in high school, whispering about a secret crush. “I’ve never felt like this about someone. I’m nervous I’ll mess it up. Worried my mother will scare him off. He’s really special, and he’s estranged from his family. They hurt him badly. So I guess I want my family to love him. Remind him what that’s like. He deserves it.”

My newfound fears lodged in my stomach. I’d gone from being afraid of rocking my familial boat to worried my mother would be so awful Jimmy would have second thoughts. Even if she hated him and couldn’t see past his tough exterior, I’d stand by my man. Shoulders back, head high, I’d prove how happy he made me. Still, the prospect of dealing with her dramatics was daunting. She would never cut me off like his parents—not permanently, at least—but her superpower was just as scary: Maternal Guilt.

Which meant Jimmy could face more parental rejection.

George slowed his treadmill until it stopped. I followed suit, waiting on his wisdom. The man could have nothing but wrinkles to show for his age, but I’d bet each line represented knowledge earned.

“Love is beautiful,” he said. “It is the heart of life. Show your mother your heart, and she will understand.” His eyes were a light blue, clouded with age, a red rim often at the edges. Today they glistened, as though he were choked up. Discussing my love life probably reminded him of his wife.

I also didn’t contradict him and claim I was still waffling in the maybe love column. It would have felt like a lie.

“This man,” he added, “he is lucky to have you, and my wife was right to send me here.” He stepped off his treadmill and patted my arm, a sweet gesture I hadn’t expected.

“Thank you,” I said.

He offered a thin smile and left. I had no idea how his wife sending him to exercise figured into anything, but his touch eased my churning stomach, as did his words.

Until Ainsley bounded over and smacked my butt. “Two hours until D-day. You ready to puke yet?”

I rubbed my backside. “I was doing fine until a second ago. And is that sweat on your forehead? Did you actually work out?”

She rubbed her towel over her face. “Emmett was in the class, behind me, so I had to show him I’m into those stupid breathing exercises, and that I can bend.” She winked.

“Did you ask him out?”

She tossed her towel around her neck and held each end. “Sadly, I did not. He left before I had the chance.”

Gwen snuck up behind her and tugged her ponytail. “He rolled his mat in record time and bolted, to avoid her.”

“Says you,” Ainsley huffed.

“Honestly, you need glasses. Emmett is gay with a capital G, and Ainsley here”—she poked our friend in the side—“is in denial.”

Ainsley scrunched her button nose. “I still think you’re wrong.”

“I am not wrong. Have you seen him eye other dudes? Totally scopes them.”

“Whatever. Gay or not, drooling over him helps pass the time.”