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“Marc is in a little bit of a situation at work. He needed someone to help convince his boss that he’s established enough to take over Prestige Horizons. And…I’m that someone.”
“You are the fucking worst at telling things how they are,” Peyton cries out in laughter.
“You left out the most important parts of that,” Kali chimes in.
“You see, Jan.” Peyton directs her attention to my mom. “Marc does need someone to help convince his boss he’s in an establishedrelationshipso he can take over ownership of the real estate agency. They have to be fake engaged.”
“Oh, my word.” My mom’s hand finds her chest. “That’s…”
“A situation,” I interrupt her before I shift my attention to Peyton and say through gritted teeth, “like I said.”
“Oh, honey.” My mom laughs before she rests her elbows on the table to lean in to the three of us. “Do you know how fine that boy is though?”
“Mom!” I whisper-shout.
“My ears,” Peyton shrieks as she puts a finger in each ear to drown it out. “That’s my fiancés brother!”
“But she’s not wrong,” Kali adds with a shoulder shrug.
“This is not one bit funny!”
“It is, though.” Kali chuckles. “Besides, I don't see what the big deal is. You’re immune to this shit. You won’t be falling for him.”
My lips form a tight seal as I sit there. My eyes travel to each person sitting at the table, unable to speak or say anything. The truth is, Ihavebeenfalling for him. Not like I wanted. But it’s starting to be harder and harder to deny feelings that are so obviously there.
“Avery Woods,” Peyton gapes.
“How’s wedding planning going?” I attempt to change the subject.
“You asked me this yesterday. Nothing has changed from then until now. Stop trying to change the subject.”
“How’s the daycare coming along?”
“Avery,” she practically growls at me. “Are you catching feelings for Marc?”
“Kali, how’s work?” I shift my attention to her.
“Avery Woods,” my mom cuts in. “Stop trying to ignore Pey.”
“Ughhhh,” I groan in frustration. "Yes! Happy now? It's strictly physical attraction but something is there. The lines are blurred and although I don't know the first thing about being in a relationship there's no denying the way I feel around him. It’s exhausting.”
“Jesus,” Kali mutters.
“Let me ask you something.” Peyton sits taller in her chair. “What’s the worst that could happen if youdofeel something more than physical?”
I shrug in response because I have no other words.
“Honey. Listen to me.” My mom places her hand on top of mine and grasps it in a reassuring hold. “I know you well enough to know that you are one of the most independent and strongest women I know. You’re so much like me, and I’m so proud of you. I also know that your entire life you only know what you saw from me. I never met anyone else after your dad, as you know. I don’t want that to be your life.”
“I like my life the way it is,” I cut her off. “I’ve always looked up to you.”
“And I love you.” She smiles. “But do you realize how lonely my life really was when you were growing up?”
“Huh?” My eyes narrow at her.
“I was alone for as long as I was becauseyouwere my entire world. I fought like hell to give you everything you needed. Getting into a relationship wasn’t my priority. I had to work double the amount a normal mother would because I didn’t ever want you to go without. There was no time for me to date.”
“Mom.” I frown. “I never once expected you to stop living your life for me.”
