“Why the sudden curiosity, hmm?” Gently, Cameron tucked Dylan’s hair behind her ear. When Dylan looked back up at her, Cameron noticed a sadness in her eyes. “Talk to me.”
“I dunno,” Dylan shrugged, her tone borderline defensive. “Forget it. I’m sorry I asked.”
Dylan started to get out of the SUV, but Cameron locked the doors.
“Nope. We’re talking about this. You started it.”
Since they were born, Cameron had always kept an open line of communication with her kids. They always knew they could be honest and open with Cameron, and she would do the same in return. So Dylan being defensive would not fly with Cameron.
“Where’s this coming from?”
“I don’t know,” Dylan repeated. “It’s stupid.”
“It’s not stupid if it’s upsetting you.”
Dylan sighed, leaning back into the seat as she looked up at Cameron.
“I just want you to be happy.”
Cameron couldn’t have been taken more off guard if Dylan had told her she was going to the moon. Dylan wanted her to be happy? But Cameronwashappy. She had two amazing kids, a job she loved going to, and friends who always had her back. So she was happy.
Right?
She was suddenly doubting that as Dylan kept talking.
“I’ve seen you dating all these women. I know you don’t care about them because you never introduced them to us. And I get it; it’s part of your Mom Code or whatever. But I’m not a little kid anymore and I know you. I can tell when you’re really happy and it’s not by dating whatever woman happened to get your attention for a few dates. You’re happiest with Aunt Mel.”
Being called out by her twelve-year-old wasn’t on Cameron’s bingo card for the day. She had no prepared answers and had nothing to say to negate anything Dylan had just said. Because, truthfully, Dylan had nailed her.
Cameron had been mindlessly dating women over the years with no intention of pursuing anything more than drinks or dinner. She never invited them over to her house or to meet her kids. And she always ended up at Melanie’s house at the end of every relationship venting about how that person wasn’t for her. Melanie never judged her, never made her feel bad for not settling down with someone. She simply refilled her wine glass and let her keep talking.
But that’s just what friends did, right?
Yeah, and they kiss on New Year’s Eve, too.
Shaking that memory from her head, Cameron focused back on Dylan.
“Honey, Iamhappy. Honestly. I’m sorry that my dating habits have made you question that. That’s really why I don’t bring anyone around; I don’t want you or Jonah to get attached and then for them to leave.”
“You don’t have tohidethem, Mom. We know you date and it’s cool with us.”
“So, you and Jonah have…”
“Discussed every woman you’ve ever dated?” Dylan smirked. “Yes. Yes, we have.”
“For how long?” Cameron asked, the shock of the entire conversation still wearing off.
“Since you dated Alisa from HR.”
Great. So seven years ago.
“But don’t worry, Mom.” Dylan smirked again. “Jonah agrees with me and just wants you to be happy, too.”
“Well, I appreciate you both looking out for me. But I promise you that you and your brother make me happier than I ever thought possible.” Cameron tilted her head, smiling. “Except maybe when you call me out for likingAunt Mel.”
Cameron tried to play it off as if she’d never considered the thought before. But she could tell by Dylan’s look she didn’t believe her.
“Whatever you need to tell yourself.”
