AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Happy looks good on you.”
My lips twitch. “Is that your subtle way of saying you like Sophie?”
“I didn’t say it was because of Sophie. That was your inference.”
That’s what she says, but her knowing smile gives it away.
“So, you’re not going to ask me about her?”
“I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Jinx what?” I ask.
“Exactly.”
I chuckle. “I expected you to have more to say about it.”
“What more is there to say? Watching you two together is like remembering the early days with your father.”
“She’s younger.” I throw out the bait, wondering if my mom will take it.
“I noticed, but that’s not the end of the world, is it?”
Based on my history, my mom is operating under the assumption that I’d be the one with an issue around the relationship. She doesn’t know that we have an agreement to keep things casual, that Sophie has her own reasons for not wanting anything serious right now.
I recall my and Sophie’s conversation last night about the future. About getting married and having a family. She was encouraging that I shouldn’t rule those things out, but in the same breath, it felt like she was making sure I knew it wouldn’t be with her. It’s hard to tell if she said that because she couldn’t imagine those things with me or because she still views us as temporary. She wants those things, too, but is on a different timeline.
“I don’t know,” I finally answer.
She gives me a knowing smile. “Above everything else, I’m glad you’ve found someone you enjoy spending time with. That’s important in life and I’ve always wanted you to see that.”
I nod. “Thanks, Mom.”
Leaving her to read her book, I go back inside.
After a run down to Million Dollar Beach, we take the boat to fill up with gas. When a light rain shower pushes us inside in the afternoon, I delight Sophie with the Independence Day-themed cookie decorating kit I picked up before we left the city.
Sophie teases me when her cookie looks far better than a four-year-old's on her first try, but then she’s amazed by how mine turn out, pouting because she already ate hers and mine are too pretty to eat.
After dinner, we’re getting ready to go out on the boat again when I pull Sophie into my lap on my bed. I hold the necklace box between us. Her eyes lift from the box to mine.
“What’s this?” she asks.
“It’s for you.”
She reaches forward to open the box, her eyes lighting with surprise when she sees what’s inside.
“Hunter,” she whispers. “Oh my gosh. It’s the necklace from Hannah’s boutique. The one I tried on the night of her opening party.” She lifts it out of the box. “It’s even prettier than I remember.”
I set the box aside and help her fasten it around her neck. The small pendant settles into the hollow of her neck. I lean forward, kissing her there.
“Do secret fuck buddies buy each other gifts?” she asks, toying with the pendant.
I shrug. “I was at Hannah’s store and I saw it and thought of you, that’s all.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “Thank you. I love it.”
“You’re welcome.”
