Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“It’s my mom,” I tell Austin as we stop right outside of Shenanigans. I answer her video call. “Mom, I’m about to go into a bar. I’m with Austin, and we’re gonna do some karaoke.”
“Save me,” Austin calls to her with a laugh.
“You boys are too cute,” she coos like she always does. “You should have a marriage pact or something.”
“What’s that?” I ask as Austin smirks, likely knowing what Mom is talking about.
“Like from the movies,” Mom says. I must look confused because she explains, “It’s when two people agree to get married if they’re both still single by a certain age.”
“Seriously? That’s ridiculous,” I reply, and Austin rolls his eyes. That’s definitely something up for discussion in our future, but one day at a time. I don’t want him to think I’m gun-shy because of my mom, though. It’s just not anything I’ve ever considered for myself. But I never considered a boyfriend either, and look at me now.
“That’s also a popular trope in romance novels,” Austin points out.
“I wish real-life romance were that easy,” Mom muses. “Which…is the reason I called.”
I give Austin a look because I know where this conversation is headed, and there’s no chance in hell I want to hash it out now. “If you’re going to tell me you’re dating your boss and that he promised to leave his wife, I don’t think I can stomach it.”
“You’re right,” Mom says in a meek voice. “You’ve told me over and over again that I’m going about this dating thing all wrong and that I need to listen to my gut. I try to listen to it, but my heart keeps getting in the way, hoping this time it’ll be different.”
My frustration is only tempered by that optimistic lilt I’ve heard one too many times. And it always gets me, her blind trust that someone will finally stick around. Even though she’s looking at it all backward.
“So I was right. You are dating your boss.” When Austin gives me a warning look that I’m on the verge of being too harsh again, I soften my tone. “I hope it works out for you, Mom. I really do. But I just can’t do this anymore. I can’t stand by and listen to you choose people for all the wrong reasons.”
“I know, baby. I was ignoring my gut again, so this time, I decided to take my son’s advice.”
“What advice?” I start pacing.
“You said that the next time my boss hits on me, I should tell him it’s inappropriate and that he needs to stop.” She takes a breath. “So I did.”
“Holy shit, Mom!” I stop in my tracks and level a look at Austin. “That’s great. So what happened?”
“Did he respect the boundaries you set?” Austin asks as he throws me the fingers-crossed sign.
She sighs. “No, he didn’t, and that time, I did listen to my gut.”
“You did?”
“Uh-huh. I told him I would have to complain if he continued.”
“That was very brave of you.” My eyes start burning, suddenly emotional.
“Did he continue?” Austin asks.
She nods, and I can see the anger in her eyes. “I met with human resources about it.”
“I’m so proud of you. What happens next?”
“I’m not sure, but my boss caught wind of it and accused me of making it all up. Called me a whore.”
“No fucking way! The creep!”
“Mom, are you worried about—”
“A coworker overheard the conversation and afterward told me he’d hit on her too. And that she knows others who’ve also been harassed by him. And then they talked to human resources too.”
“Holy crap!” My heart is ramming against my chest. “I’m so glad others came forward.”
“Me too.” Mom looks a bit wary. “Yesterday, he was placed on suspension while the company investigates.”
“God, I’m so relieved. I was afraid you were going to have to continue working with him.”
“I’m honestly not sure if I would’ve. This has really opened my eyes.” She gives a sad smile. “I’ve learned there’s safety in numbers. I met my coworkers for dinner, and we discussed sticking together. I’ve never had that before with other women. Almost like a sisterhood.”
Austin’s eyes meet mine, and I can see how pleased he is that the conversation has taken such an important turn. It’s what I’ve always wanted for Mom.
“I know I just said it, but I’ll say it again. I’m so proud of you!”
“That means everything to me.” Mom swipes at her eyes. “I want my son to look up to me as a good example, not a bad one. I don’t want you to avoid relationships like you’ve been doing. I know that’s because of your father abandoning us and watching me struggle through all my bad choices.”
“All right, who kidnapped my mom and put this person in her place?” I say to lighten the mood, and she laughs.