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“I just want to make sure you’re, you know, walking into this with your eyes wide open.”
I frown. “You don’t think dating Trevor is a good idea?”
“No, that’s not it at all. I think Trevor is a fine young man. It’s just…sweetie, he’s a firefighter, and you’ve always had your ru—”
“My rules. Yes, Mother, I know I’ve had my rules.”
“I’m not trying to upset you, Claire. I just want to make sure you’ve thought about this. The last thing you want to do is rush into something you’re not ready for.”
My step falters. “Not ready for? You don’t think I’m ready for a relationship?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“That’s what it sounded like.”
“Claire—”
“I’m not rushing, okay? I know what you’re thinking. You’re worried because of what Trevor does for a living, but you shouldn’t be, because I’m dealing with it. I’m dealing the only way I know how.”
There’s a silence that says I’m going to need more than that.
“Okay, yes, it’s hard,” I continue. “Some days are easier than others, but I’m working through the bad days—we’re working through the bad days,” I reassure her.
“Claire…” Her words trail off. I stop with a hand on my hip, watching Milo root around in the grass. She finds a spot she likes and lies down.
“What, Mom? Just say it.”
“I love you, Claire, more than anything, and there is nothing I want more in this life than to see you happy. If Trevor makes you happy, I’m on board one hundred percent.”
“Good.”
“But—”
“I knew there was a but.”
“—you’ve only been together a short time. There hasn’t been a major catastrophe or something that’s threatened his life. How are you going to handle it when that happens? Because it will happen. Maybe not today or tomorrow or next year, but at some point—being a full-time firefighter—he’s going to face some serious challenges.”
“If I can get past the fire at Bright Start, I think I can handle something else.”
“Except you weren’t invested in him when that fire took place. Things are different now. You’re invested. Your emotions are involved on a different level.”
I hate her words because this is something I don’t want to think about, let alone talk about. “Look, Mom, I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine, and I really can’t talk about this right now. Mo is probably wondering where I’m at.”
“Okay. I’m sorry if I upset you. That wasn’t my intention.”
I blow out a breath and look up at the fluffy clouds floating across the sky. “It’s okay, Mom. I’m not upset.”
“Bring Trevor by. I’d like to get to know him.”
“I will.”
“Okay, sweetie. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
She hangs up, and I stuff my phone in my back pocket. Well, that put a damper on my day.
“Milo. Come on, girl.” She leaps to her feet and runs across the yard. “Over here,” I say, guiding her with my voice.
