Page 20 of Undeniable

I was toolazy to type out his full name. Even so, I hesitated with my fingers over the keys, debating what to say about his mother. Or if I even should. But I never held back with Connor, and I wasn’t going to start now.

Somehow it was easier to be honest with him, vulnerable. I didn’t know if it was because of the way our relationship started. Or the fact that it felt somewhat anonymous, despite how much we now knew about each other. Or just who he was. But I liked it. I liked who I was with him.

Even so,I struggled with how to respond. I finally settled on something serious, followed by something lighter.

I’d love to hear more about your mom—but only if you want to talk about her.

Also, I apologize for confusing you with Coleman. Won’t happen again.

When my stomach growled,I glanced at the time. My mom was now almost twenty minutes late, and I was starving. I sighed and returned my attention to the screen. Some things never changed.

I’m at the restaurant, and if my mother doesn’t get here soon, Olga might make an appearance.

Connor knewhow much I loved food. Apart from talking about books, it was one of our favorite subjects to discuss. Best desserts. Favorite food memories. And so much more.

My mom…

I typed it,erased it. Typed it again and erased it. I had to tell him something. If I didn’t, I knew he’d only keep pushing until I did. So, I typed out a quick paragraph. It was almost a stream of consciousness confession about my mom and our relationship. It was messy and honest. And incredibly freeing.

Connor didn’t know who my mom was. He had no idea that I was Camille Howard’s daughter, assuming he even knew who Camille Howard was. I could say whatever I wanted.

My mom is so concerned with appearances. Like this restaurant—it’s so…ugh. It’s so pretentious, and the food isn’t even that good.

I was getting off topic, but I could get really fired up when it came to food.

My mom can be narcissistic and critical, especially of me. I know she loves me, and she means well. But her comments are often misguided and sometimes hurtful.

There.Done.Wow. That had felt surprisingly good.

Though seeing those words in black and white, staring me in the face, wasn’t easy.

I signedmy name and sent it, surprised when my phone dinged almost a minute later.

O,

Fuck that. I hope Olga comes out to play today. Your mom sounds like a piece of work.

C

PS: Now I’m getting hungry. Send me a picture of your meal. I just love pretentious, overpriced food, don’t you? ??

I laughed.Before I could even consider his request for a picture of my meal, another email came through.

O,

Sorry if I overstepped. I know I’ve never met your mom (and if you’re pissed at me for what I said, I get it. And I’m totally blaming it on Coleman), but I don’t like the idea of anyone hurting you.

C

The bridgeof my nose stung, and I blinked back tears at his words. At his kindness. Connor had never met me, and yet he cared about me. Wanted to protect me.

And I cared about him. We’d only known each other through email for a short time, but I was coming to realize that neither the time nor distance mattered when it came to him.

“Darling,” Mom said, startling me.

When I glanced up at her, she was smiling, but something seemed different.Ifelt different. And that was because of Connor.

“Well, don’t just sit there.” She flashed a tight smile, glancing around as if aware that many eyes were on us. “Aren’t you going to give me a hug?”