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Cassidy drops her phone. “Ew. That’s really what happens at bachelor parties? I thought that was just in the movies.” She shudders. “Devin seriously sucks.”
“No, honey,” my mom says. “That isn’t what happens at all bachelor parties.”
Cassidy and I took after our mom in the looks department—blonde hair, lighter eyes, somewhat on the short side.
Even for her age, my mom is beautiful. She’s made it a full-time job to run charities, help people, work in the kitchen, and keep up with her appearance. She wears makeup and dresses up more than I do.
“Never get married,” I tell Cassidy, snatching another cookie. It seems leaving my husband has led me to turn to carbs, making Devin an even bigger bastard.
“Hey now, marriage is a beautiful thing,” my mom argues. “It’s just … sadly, some aren’t respectful to their vows.”
I reach out and capture her hand, lightly squeezing it, and see the compassion in her eyes. Right now, we’re both suffering through infidelities, but I’d take on my mom’s hurt over mine any day. Her heart is too big for this pain.
I cringe, wondering but too afraid to ask how she can look at dad, knowing what he did. I always saw her as this strong woman and was so proud when she threatened my father with a divorce. Then, I cried the day she told me she changed her mind and was taking him back. As much as I love my father, she didn’t deserve that, and he doesn’t deserve a woman as amazing as her.
“Now that I’ve decided I’m never getting married,” Cassidy says, shooting her attention to me, “what’s going on with you and the hot bartender? Eight people asked me about it at the gym this morning.” She pours herself a glass of lemonade. “And let me put it out there that Maliki Bridges is so much hotter than Devin.”
“Oh my God. People your age are talking about me?”
She shrugs. “You know it’s a small town, and you’re getting it on with the town’s hottest bachelor. People will talk.”
“Cassidy!” my mom shrieks, her tone having a sprinkle of warning in it.
“What?” she asks. “I bet he wouldn’t cheat at a bachelor party.”
I point to her bookbag on the floor. “Go study.”
She shakes her head, pulls out her ponytail, and glides her hand through her hair. “No, this conversation is so much juicier than Anatomy.”
My mom’s awareness slides back to me, her features loaded with concern. “Now that you’ve scared your sister out of marriage, we need to talk about your new job. Devin said you quit his father’s company, and word is, you’ve not only switched jobs, but also moved in with Maliki?” She touches her face and pauses, as if she’s thinking. “Now, honey, you know I don’t judge, but we didn’t spend thousands of dollars in education for you to end up working in a hole-in-the-wall bar. I don’t look down on those in the service industry, but I never want my daughter around drunk people. I’ve read plenty of crime books. Most serial killers prey on women at bars.”
“Yep! I just saw this Netflix documentary. That crap iscreepy,” Cassidy cuts in and shuts her mouth when my mom shoots her a disapproving look.
“Cassidy, go study, text, take selfies, something,” she says.
She raises her hands high in surrender. “All right, I’ll keep my mouth shut, but I’m staying. I love hearing lectures that aren’t pointed in my direction.”
“Mom, it’s a transition period until I find another job,” I say in my best voice of reassurance. “I’m using my degree and renovating the pub, so technically, that’s my job. The bartending is for extra cash to get a new place.”
“You can stay here. Your room is always open. Plus, you know your father and I will help you with any financial issues you’re having.”
“I’m a grown woman. I’m not moving in with my parentsortaking money from you.”
“Can I volunteer as tribute with the cash offer?” Cassidy interjects.
Instead of answering her, my mom keeps her focus on me. “Why not? I make amazing banana nut bread, you’ll always have a hot breakfast, and I’m sure I keep a home cleaner than a bachelor.”
“I’ll let you know if I change my mind, okay? But right now, I need to do this on my own. It’s time for me to figure out this new chapter in my life.”
“You’re not on your own if you’re living with another man.” Her words are gentle, but her blow is harsh. She’s trying her hardest to sound sweet, but it’s what she’s feeling at the moment.
“We’re friends.”
“I know you, honey. You wouldn’t just move in with someone like that.”
“We have separate bedrooms. It’s nothing different than when I lived in the dorms at college. I’m renting a room from him. That’s it.”
Cassidy snorts. “For now.”
