Both Mom and Carla nodded without hesitation.
“But it’s what we signed on for when we married your dads,” Mom said. “I heard about the rivalry before I even knew your dad’s name when I got to town. It’s bigger than us.”
“Why?” I pressed. “Would it really be so bad if the town knew you were friends and that Mickey and I are”—I glanced at him—“friends too?”
“Maybe not, but it never seemed worth the risk,” Carla said.
“The sneaking around for shopping dates and catching up over wine has always been part of the fun anyway.” Mom knocked her shoulder against Carla’s, who let out a bright laugh in response.
Carla sobered. “We’ve supported each other through the difficult times.” She gave Mickey a meaningful look.
I was glad my mom could be there for Carla during the hardest times, like when Matty died and through her divorce, but this still stung like a betrayal. What else didn’t we know?
He gave me a questioning look. I nodded.
“Thanks for the coffee. I think we’re going to head out.”
Mom looked like she wanted to say more, but she closed her mouth. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” she said.
“Does Sage know?”
She looked pained as she shook her head.
“I won’t say anything to them.”
Mickey and I left the café in silence. Once we reached the street with rain falling around us, I turned to him.
“Still want to go to silent book club?” I asked.
“I’m so grateful for your thoughtfulness with that great date idea. I think I just want to go home and process this.”
“Of course. I totally get it.” I worked to keep the disappointment from my voice. I wasn’t disappointed in him, but that another special night had been ruined by others. It made me feel better that he felt comfortable enough with me to say when he needed space.
“Maybe we can pick up takeout from somewhere on the way home? My fridge is kind of empty, unless you don’t mind ketchup and wilted lettuce for dinner.”
My spirits lifted. “Takeout is a great idea.” He wanted to process the developments with me there? I tried not to get too hopeful, but damn, it was hard.
As we got back into my car and debated dinner options, I realized neither Mom nor Carla had asked us about holding hands.The secrets continue.
TWENTY-FOUR
AMOS
The front door to Sparky’s closed behind the last tourist who’d cashed out after a late lunch rush. There were only a couple of Rocktogenarians—Maplewood’s beloved elder and badass women rockstars—left in the dining room, and they would likely linger for a while over their coffees.
“Mind if I grab a quick lunch?” I asked Sage as they used the lull to start restocking for the dinner rush.
“Perfect time for it. Grab a table, and I’ll bring you an iced tea.”
“Thanks.”
When I went back to the kitchen to whip up a quick sandwich, Mom looked over her shoulder at me and smiled. I’d felt awkward around her since learning about her and Carla’s friendship a couple of days ago.
“Grabbing lunch? I fixed something for you. It’s in the fridge.” She returned to her prep work.
“Thanks, Mom.” I knew she was trying to smooth things over, but I suspected it would take some time to get used to sharing this secret between us.
She’d made my favorite ham and honey mustard sandwich, and when I returned to the dining room, Sage had put aplace setting and iced tea at the booth farthest from the Rocktogenarians.Bless them.
