Page 48 of Break Me Not

“You did?”

My stomach lurched. I tried to keep it from her. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable in her own house. Hearing her say this made me feel like I failed her.

She nodded like it was no big deal, leaning back in her seat and looking at the very vibrant pink flowers right beside us.

“I'm observant. I kept quiet because I knew you were trying your best. That was why I didn't really care that he left. If he wanted to forget his life and family and travel the world, that was his prerogative. And you know he and I were never that close.”

“I do know that,” I said in a small voice. I could come clean about my lie, but not now when he was acting so impulsively. It was better that they stayed as far away from each other as possible for now.

“So, yeah, I was really happy when you got divorced. I've been patiently waiting for you to move on and find someone who can treat you right—the way you deserve. He—or she, or they—should also be superhot and maybe a little younger so you can make up for all the years you wasted on Dad.”

This had my face flaming.

“Claire.”

She let out an unbridled laugh that had my shame slowly melting away.

“You would really be okay if I dated someone? Even if it were someone…”

I didn't know what to say because the only person who came to mine was the one I couldn't have.

You know?

Who is your best friend?

Who is way too young for me?

It was a ridiculous thought. Jax had gotten in my head, or I had gotten in my own head. I had forgotten what was important. Claire. Claire was the important one. She might be saying it was okay for me to date but⁠—

“I disapprove of? That would only happen if you got back together with Dad,” she said bluntly. “Anyone else, I’ll approve. I trust you and your reasons for wanting to be with them. Your judgment has never proven wrong—except for Dad, but we really don’t need to talk about him anymore.”

I couldn't help but laugh. I hadn't realized I was also crying until tears fell down my face and into my hands.

“I’m sorry. I know we're at your work but⁠—”

My words got stuck in my throat when she threw her arms around me.

“I'm sorry I said mean things to you in your office,” she whispered in my ear and hugged me close. “I was just stressed. I'm really happy you came to see where I work.”

My tears came faster now, and I hugged her back even tighter.

“I love you, Claire Bear.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

She held me longer than I ever thought she would be comfortable with in public, and when she sat back in her seat, I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off me.

Then she fiddled with her phone, and I heard mine ping.

“Two concert tickets? What is⁠—”

“It's the same band as a T-shirt I gave you.” Her smile turned mischievous. “It seems to me you may have already found someone, so why don't you take them on a date? My treat.”

I didn't think my cheeks could heat up this much until now.

“Claire, I⁠—”

“Nope! I don’t need to hear it now. I don't want to force anything out of you, so you can tell me when you're ready. Just… have fun, okay? Stop feeling so guilty all the time, okay? Do something for yourself.”