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I nod toward the bathroom, which is across the hall from my bedroom. “Want to join me?”
Her dimples appear. “I’d love to.”
Chapter 41
Layla Alexander
I hate leaving Jason’s apartment Sunday evening to head back home, but I know I need to be patient. He’s worrying so much about me being overwhelmed. I’m not. I had the most wonderful weekend imaginable, and I can’t wait until we come back here, hopefully on a permanent basis.
When we arrive back at the house, Jason carries our bags up to our rooms.
While I’m unpacking, my mom raps on my door. “Hi, sweetie. Can I come in?”
“Hi, Mom. Sure. Come on in.” She sits on my bed while I’m putting my things away. “So, how did it go?” she asks.
“It was wonderful. We went grocery shopping, we made tacos last night for dinner. Jason made me breakfast this morning. I met some of his friends who live in the building. There’s a girl my age, Erin, who seems really nice. She’s the manager of Clancy’s Bookshop, downtown.”
“That all sounds wonderful,” Mom says. “How did it go between you and Jason? This was a big step for you… being alone with him.”
My face heats as I recall all the things we did together over the weekend, and the fact that I slept with him and not in the guest room. I walk over to the bed and sit beside my mom. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, sweetheart. What is it?”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
She smiles. “Well, let me tell you about the first time I went out with your dad. We met in law school, in a course on tort reform.” She pauses to smile to herself, as if she’s recalling something special. “He asked me out to dinner, and I said yes.” She reaches for my hand and links our fingers together. Then she leans close and lowers her voice as she speaks. “I knew by the end of that first date that he was the one.”
“But how did you know?”
She shrugs. “I could just tell. I felt like I knew what kind of man he was, that he had integrity. That he was honorable. I knew in my gut that he’d be a good husband and a good father. And my instincts were right. We’ve been married for thirty-eight years, and I’m glad to say I was right.” She stifles a grin as she pats the back of my hand. “Why do you ask?”
“I feel that way about Jason. I feel like he’s the one. But how can I know for sure? I’ve never really dated anyone before.”
“There are no guarantees in life, sweetheart. But sometimes we get lucky and meet the right one. Only time will tell, but it’s worth a chance, isn’t it?”
I nod and sigh. “Yes.”
“So? How did it go? Did you guys—”
“Yes. It was amazing.”
She smiles. “You’ll know in time if he’s the right one. Just don’t rush into anything until you’re sure.”
I nod. “I think he is. Deep in my heart, I just know.”
She hugs me to her. “I’m so happy for you, sweetheart. That’s what I want for you. Your father and I both want that… for you to find someone who truly knows you, knows what you need, and is there for you.”
A moment later, Jason pokes his head through my open door. “Hello, Ruth,” he says to my mom. Then to me, he says, “I’m all done unpacking. Do you need any help?”
“Nope. I’m good.”
He nods. “I thought I’d run down to the fitness room to run a bit and lift weights. Do you want to come with me?”
“Sure, I’d love to.”
“Great,” he says. “I’ll just run back to my room and change my clothes. I’ll be right back.”
“Truthfully,” I tell my mom after he’s gone. “I just like to watch him lifting weights.”
