Page 62 of Reticent

“Oh, honey, don’t apologize,” Priscilla says. “The breakfast burritos are delicious.”

“They’re okay,” Hunter says, slicing into a piece of ham.

“You’re right.” I bite back my smile as I meet his eyes. “I’ve had better.”

“Just friends, huh?” Priscilla’s question snaps our attention from each other and back to her.

“Don’t start, Mother.”

She gives a knowing smile. “Whatever you say, dear.”

“We really are just friends,” I say.

“I like you, Yasmine. You have a good soul. And you’re cute as a button. A little young, but I understand.” She winks. “I had a thing for older men when I was your age. My husband, Hunter’s father, God rest his beautiful soul, was twenty years older than me. And he was the best lover I’ve ever had. And I’ve had plenty of lovers.”

“Mom,” he warns.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she continues, ignoring Hunter. “Why in the world did I cheat if I had such a good lover? Well, it’s simple. I loved Lucas more than anything, but I also loved variety.”

“Enough,” Hunter says, his tone scolding.

“I just wanted to explain—”

“Change the subject,” he says carefully. “No one wants to hear that.”

Priscilla’s smile falters. “You’re right. I’m sorry, honey.”

He nods once, and his lip twitches in what’s supposed to be a smile, but it’s more like a cross between a frown and a wince. “It’s okay,” he says before draining his mimosa.

“I’m so glad we finally got the chance to meet,” I say, trying to break the tension.

“Me too, sweetie,” she says, her smile brightening again.

“Are you going to finish that?” I ask Hunter about the last slice of ham on his plate.

His expression softens toward me. “No. Did you want another plate?”

My lip quirks. “No. Just your ham.”

He transfers the ham from his plate to mine.

Priscilla sighs, resting her cheek in her palm. “My grandson is going to be so darling. Any children that come from you both would be absolutely gorgeous.”

A smirk plays on Hunter’s lips. “You’re only getting Liam from us, so deal with it.”

“Never say never, my beautiful boy.”

I would have more children with you but not with anyone else.

I press my lips together in a smile while cutting through the slice of ham with my knife and fork.

Priscilla reaches across the table for my hand. I put my flatware down and take her hand, cutting my eyes to Hunter, who gives me a slight shrug as if to say I have no idea. “Hunter has always been my favorite.”

“David says he’s your favorite,” Hunter says.

“I’m talking to Yasmine, so hush.”

I fold my lips and relax my face to keep from laughing.