She’s right, of course. That cup of coffee I was making would have been dinner. Everything else fades into background noise once I bury myself into work, including hunger.
We settle down on the couch in the corner of the store designated for book clubs and reading get togethers. As I dig into my burger and fries, Mom watches me with an amused smile.
“So,” she begins, a casual lilt to her voice that has my guard up immediately. “How are things with Andrew?”
My cheeks warm at his name, and Mom’s knowing smile widens.
“Good,” I admit, unable to keep the grin off my face. “Really good, actually.”
Her eyes soften as she reaches out to grasp my hand. “He’s a good man, Jane. And he clearly adores you.”
I bite my lip, looking down at our hands. “You think so?”
“Sweetheart, anyone with eyes can see it.” She chuckles softly, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “He’s smitten.”
The word sends a flutter through my stomach. Smitten. Like a teenager with his first crush.
“This is different than Daniel,” I admit. “This time it feels...real,” I say softly, looking at my mom. “With Daniel, we cared about each other, but it was more about knowing what we can get from one another. With Andrew, it’s more about giving than taking. It’s about appreciating who we are individually and how we light up when we’re together. It’s wanting to make each other happy and be there for each other.”
My mom nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “That’s love, Jane.”
“Can you fall in love so quickly? Is that really possible?”
“Your father and I did. We knew very quickly, within a month, and married six months after that. And look atus now, thirty-five years happily married. You and Andrew spent a lot of time together too.”
“Mom, I’m scared.” I fiddle with my fries. “Is it too quick for me? I only called off my wedding a few weeks ago. Is that too soon to fall in love?”
“Honey, you said it yourself, you weren’t in love with Daniel. And while a wedding is a big deal, you weren’t in love with him. You’re not trying to heal a broken heart.”
“You’re right, Mom. It’s just...it feels so fast, and yet it has felt so natural from the very start, like we’ve always been meant to be,” I mumble, my burger suddenly uninteresting. “I just...I worry about messing up, Mom. About jumping in too quickly and making a mistake.”
“Listen to your heart, my dear. Don’t try to rationalize love—it’s not something that follows rules or timelines.
“There’s no right time or perfect formula for it. You’re allowed to be scared, but don’t let fear hold you back from something wonderful.”
“I just never expected this,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “I never expected him.”
“But isn’t life better for it?” she asks, her warm hand covering mine.
“Yes,” I finally admit, my voice stronger with the realization. “Life is definitely better for it.”
After we finish our dinner and chat about general things, Mom helps clean up before leaving me to finish off the inventory.
As I dive into my work, his face seems almost etched into my subconscious. Every book I touch reminds me of him. The crime thrillers, the romance novels, even the cookbooks transport me to us cooking together. The thrill of his chase, the unexpected romance between us, and the grand adventure of rediscovering my hometown with him. It’s like he became a part of me without me even realizing it.
I pick up my phone and text him.
Still awake?
Almost immediately, his reply pops up on screen.
Just finishing some paperwork. Everything okay?
I type back, a little unsure.
Yeah, just wanted to say hi.
I’ve been wanting to say hi too, but I didn’t want to distract you at work.
