Page 70 of Tangled Emotions

“Fine. You have five minutes to get your ass back in here or I’m telling mama you didn’t quit.”

“Bitch.”

“Love ya. Mean it.” She disappeared, and the door closed.

Fuck! She was a pain in my ass.

But she was right.

Matthew turned in a circle, trying to get his pajama top on. “Mom? Do we have plans for Saturday?”

“Not that I know of.” I tilted my head and chuckled at his failed attempt. “You know, if you actually dried off when you got out of the shower this wouldn’t happen.”

His head poked through the neck hole. “Cool.” Mattie sat down beside me on his bed.

“Why? What’s up?”

“I wanna do something nice for you.”

Good lord. Now what?

“Okay? Like what?”

“I just need you to trust me.” He sighed and leaned against me.

“I can do that.” I wrapped an arm around him. “Friday night you’ll be staying with Nana and Grandpa.”

“Are you going out with Aunt Ronnie?”

“No.” I took a deep breath. “I am going to go to dinner with Frank.”

Matt sat up and shook his head. “No. You can’t.”

“Matthew, I assure you I can.”

He jumped up from the bed and paced. “You can’t. You just can’t!”

“Mattie?” I tried reaching for him. “You wanted me to date.”

He stopped and faced me. “But that’ll ruin everything.”

“Ruin what?” Irritation laced my voice. I was tired and just wanted to shower before curling up to read before bed.

“Never mind.” He skulked off to the bathroom.

I gave it a few moments and then went to him. “Mattie, I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“But I don’t know Frank.”

He’s trying to be protective.

“I know.” I nodded and used my fingers to brush his hair. “Maybe it would be best for me to have dinner with him, andthenif things go well, we can talk about introducing you?”

He loaded up his toothbrush and turned on the water. “Only Friday, right?”

“Only Friday. Saturday I’m all yours.” I pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

“Okay.” Matthew brushed his teeth, and I left him to finish his routine.