He frowns. “Because of me?”
“No…because it complicates things that don’t need to be complicated.”
He frowns more deeply, as if he doesn’t quite buy my explanation. “But what about you being lonely?”
I smile at him, touched by his love and concern. “Baby, I’mfine, I promise. I have you, and I have Grandma and Papa, and I have Auntie Cora. I’m fine—I’mnotlonely.”
He doesn’t answer, but he still seems skeptical. He stares out the window as we finish the drive to Dr. Pritchard’s office. He unbuckles after I park, and we head in. We’re in the waiting room, and he’s watching the fish in the fish tank in the waiting room—it’s designed to look like the tank fromFinding Nemo, including the same sea creatures.
“Mom?” he says, still watching the fish.
His tone of voice tells me he’s got another question.
“Yes, Aiden?” I say, flipping through an oldGood Housekeepingmagazine.
“Are you sure you’re not lying about why you won’t let Coach Trent kiss you again? Because I think it’s about me, and you just don’t want me to feel bad.”
“Aiden…” I trail off, though, because I need to think about my answer.
How do I get out of this one? He’s right, in a way.
I put my magazine down and look at him. “Aiden, honey. I’m your mom. It’s my job to do what’s best for you. I have to protect you, and try to make sure you’re happy and healthy. And I’m going to do that, no matter what.”
“Even if it means you don’t get to do something you really want to?”
“Even then, Aiden. Being your mom is the most important thing I could ever do, and I won’t letanythingget in the way of being the best mom I can be.”
“Not even Coach Trent?”
I laugh, softly. “Not even Coach Trent.”
He frowns. “So…itisme.”
“Sort of, yes,” I say, knowing he will appreciate the honesty. “But it’s something I’mchoosing, Aiden. You being happy is most important, and I can be happy without Coach Trent.”
“But you like him?”
I sigh. “I think it’s time for me to say we’re not talking about this anymore, okay?”
“Okay.” He looks at me thoughtfully. “But, Mama—”
I quirk an eyebrow. “Aiden.” I make my voice firm, indicating that there will be no more discussion on this.
He sighs in irritation. “Fine.” He glances at me. “One last question.”
“You can ask, but I reserve the right to not answer.”
“What does Aunt Cora say?”
I groan, but it’s also a laugh. “Aunt Cora wants what’s best for you, too.”
“But shealsowants what’s best foryou, right? So whose side is she on?”
“There are no sides, Aiden. There’s me saying Mr. Trent and I are just friends and that’s all we will ever be, and that’s it. That’s the only side there is.”
“But what if—” he starts.
“Aiden,enough.” I keep my voice low but firm. “No more, please.”
