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“It’s Kim and Trevor!” Kim calls from the other side.
Noah quickly unlocks the door, then swings it wide open. “Hi!” Trevor and Kim say in unison, putting their arms out to hug Noah. Noah hugs them both simultaneously as they kneel to his level, one arm around Kim and the other around Trevor.
“Happy Birthday!” Trevor tells him.
Noah steps back so Kim and Trevor can enter the house, then he shuts and locks the door behind them. Kim greets me with a hug, as does Trevor, then we walk back to the kitchen.
After spending quality time together, eating pizza, watching Noah open his presents, and eating the delicious cake Mom made, the four of us adults take a bottle of wine to the front living room while Noah keeps himself occupied with his new toys in the back family room. I pour everyone a glass, then sink onto the couch next to Kim, ready to unwind.
“So … about what we discussed on the phone earlier today…” Kim says as she holds her phone out for me to see a picture.
I roll my eyes.
“He’s super nice,” Kim explains, “and Trevor and I think you two would really hit it off.”
“Who?” Mom asks, and I want to die.
“No one,” I reply, my tone letting them know I’m annoyed.
Kim stands and walks across the room to show Mom the picture on her phone.
“Oh, he looks nice,” Mom says. “Does he want to take Shawna on a date?”
“He’s open to it,” Trevor says. “He’s a single dad—”
“Guys,” I interrupt. “I don’t want to date anyone right now. I’m too busy with the bar, and Noah is only seven … I don’t have time to date.”
Kim sits next to me again. “It might be fun, though. You need some you time in your life. You’re a wonderful mom to Noah, and you do an excellent job running the bar, but what about you?”
I set my wineglass down on the table next to me, then tip my head back against the couch, looking up at the ceiling.
“Honey, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” Mom says. “But Kim’s right. It might be a fun thing to do for yourself.”
Jesus Christ, even my mom thinks I need to start dating? What the hell is this? Is this some sort of intervention to convince me I need a man in my life?
Exasperated, I lift my head to look at all three of them again. “I don’t need a man to make my life complete.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” Kim says, shaking her head.
“Neither did I,” Mom adds. “I just meant that it might be fun to get out and have a nice night on the town without any responsibilities.”
Letting out a sigh, I reach for my wineglass again and take a drink before replying. “Look, guys, I’m fine. I’m happy. I’m not ready to start dating. When that time comes, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
Kim huffs, looking defeated. She leans back against the couch, then looks at me with a sad smile. “Okay. I understand. I’m sorry to upset you. I really am.”
Reaching out, I take Kim’s hand in mine. “It’s okay. I know you’re only trying to help. But trust me, I’m fine without a man in my life right now.”
The four of us have an enjoyable evening together. Noah eventually migrates into the living room to show off his new toys. By the time Kim and Trevor leave, it’s Noah’s bedtime.
After I tuck him in and close his door, I head to my room. Mom already retired to her room as well, presumably to read a romance novel like she does most nights before falling asleep. On the other hand, I am not one to sit and read a book. I’d rather watch a good show on TV, which is exactly what I do after I change into my pajamas. I find a new show I’ve been wanting to watch on Netflix and sink back against my pillows.
And then, out of nowhere, Nate comes to mind. With all the birthday excitement from the time I got home, I hadn’t thought about his handsome face all evening. God, he’s good looking. He was also nice to talk to. Honestly, if Kim had whipped out her phone and pulled up a picture of Nate, I would’ve taken her up on setting me up with him.
Wait, would I?
Why do I feel such a strong attraction to Nate? What is it about him? It’s not as if I’ve never seen another hot, sexy man before. Would I really consider going out with him if given the opportunity? I have no desire to date anyone. I’m perfectly happy on my own, and Noah is my priority. I’ll have time for myself later in life, when Noah is older. I’m only twenty-five, after all.
But those eyes. I’ve never seen eyes quite like his before, so green like emeralds. I had to stop myself from staring into them when I talked to him this afternoon. And his smile. As if his facial features weren’t perfect enough, his smile just accentuated his good looks, making me want him more.
