Page 31 of The Weight of Love

Riley finds me slumped over the kitchen counter, staring blankly at my cup of coffee.

“Mom? You, okay?”

“I really don’t know, Kiddo.”

“What’s wrong?”

I inhale deeply, trying to steady my breath.

“Just trying to figure some things out.”

“Some guy things?”

“What makes you think I have guy things?”

“Do you? I mean, I have seen you all flirty with Mr. H. I’m just sayin’ if you think he’s cute, you should go for it, Mom. You’ve worked so hard lately. You deserve some happiness, too.”

I get her out the door, realizing that my kid is far too wise and observant for my comfort level, and head into the office in a bit of a daze.

I’m sitting in my office feeling absolutely miserable when Emily and Johnathan walk in, and both immediately pounce on my mood.

“What happened, Honey? You look like hell.”

I roll my eyes at him, and Emily smacks him gently on the arm.

“That’s terrible to say. But he’s not wrong. What’s up with you?”

My biggest cheerleaders, folks.

“I want to adopt the puppy.”

Their eyes widen, and then they fall into the chairs across from my desk and demand details. They sit there, taking it all in and assessing me with those all-too-familiar looks.

“Well, Stel, I think that’s your biggest problem, not the age. He’s just scared he likes you more than you like him.”

“She’s not wrong, Honey. You’re a bit of a man-eater, and if you come up against a ‘nice guy,’ then they’re probably just worried about not getting chewed up.”

“I think he means that as a compliment, Stel.”

“Oh, totally! You’re my entire life goal, Hun.”

Fabulous. I’m a terrifying man-eater whom gay men aspire to be—mother of the Year material there.

“You don’t think the age thing makes me creepy for even considering it as something more? He’s only ten years older than Ry. How do I even explain that to her.”

“Okay, but Stella, come on. I know you. You have had other guys who are good in bed, and I don’t think I have ever seen you spun out like this. You cried. That’s like real human emotions.”

“I really hate it when you two are right, you know that?”

“I’m just saying,” Emily shrugged, “Maybe give him a chance. Get to know him more in the context of not being in bed and actually dating. I know it’s a foreign concept to you after all this time to do those things called dates.”

“Oh, friend, you are funny today. So funny.”

“Enjoy it while you can. Incoming.”

Leslie comes shuffling in, bunny slippers, missing pants, and all, making a beeline for my desk.

“Leslie. What is in your hands? Is it moving?”