Page 105 of From This Moment (After We Fall 4)
“It wasn’t pleasant. But I handled it.”
“What did my mother say?”
“Probably the same things she said to you. She thinks we don’t really love each other, she thinks we’re being disloyal to Drew, she can’t believe I exposed my daughter to such shame, and she’s embarrassed of us.”
“I’m sorry.”
“She also wondered if we’ve given any thought to how awkward it’s going to be for everyone in the family after we break up.”
“Ignore her.”
“I’m trying, but it’s hard.”
She sounded so sad, I was desperate to give her some good news. “Hey, I hope you don’t mind, but I told Pete and Jack about us.”
“What did they say?”
“They were one hundred percent supportive.”
“That’s nice. And I don’t mind. Their wives know, so they might as well know.” She didn’t sound any better, so I tried again.
“And I talked to my mom.”
“You did?”
“Yes. She agreed to give herself some time to get used to the idea of us.”
“Really?” Her voice rose.
“Really. No guarantee, of course, but I have hope.”
“How’d you convince her?”
“I told her she could cook me dinner for my birthday.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that I’d promised not to invite her. But it wasn’t that big of a deal, was it?
“On Saturday? Your actual birthday?”
“Yes.”
There was an awkward pause. Should I tell her?
“I take it I’m not welcome on the occasion.”
It was like a punch in the gut. “Hannah.”
“She wants you to herself.”
“You know her well. That’s exactly what she said when I asked.”
She was silent at first. “Of course it is.”
“I only said yes because I figured in the grand scheme of things, this was only one night. We’ll have a lifetime together.”
“Maybe.”
