XA

rt si

my face as though she was trying to f

othing...f

comforting hug, "I'm sorry you feel

e I..." A sniffle, I held on tightly

ently used her thumb to wipe my tears. "Come, I

get into trouble with

'll deal with her. For now, you're very

me gently with her. She swiped at another lone tear t

feelings for Josh, and t

ky breath, "I s

espo

to do with age, and everything to do with stress, courtesy of

d her to say s

loving another woman's man, and no, it doesn't make you a bad person eith

pa

has said and done to you over the years, it doesn't change the fact that you're a beautiful, strong, smart wom

thetic smile slightly spread

yourself, that isn't healthy for you, Roxy," her tone was bordering on emp

t, I knew that. Josh would never love me, and t

hould be hating him for hurting me over and over and over again. Bu

at another batch of t

ront and grow a little spine, but...

ourself a break and let things flow. For now, focus on Ethan. Take pride in the wonderful job you're doing with that boy and soon, with what you'll be earning, y

was a sucker for love, which was why my favorit

I said, giving

ug, "Love yourself enough to realize wh

reaching to me a

"yes, mo

face and kissed my nose.

ped tears from my eyes, "thank you so much, mom.

eyes radiating pride,

rang ju

off the bed to get it, w

ct. And anyone who could be c

hecked the caller I

Mom noticed and ask

. I'm about t

ss the screen, and waited fo

o, da

annoyance. Back to co

ockiness in his tone had me g

know what, first things first

dial my number on your pho

hat co

nnoyance speared, I briefly met mom's gaze, he

e had decided that the Q and A sessions were over and it was time t

rning. My heart thumped. I still didn't know e

. It was going to be so embarrassing knowing I divor

I sure ho

" I answer

are. I'll see

onight?

l disco

my ear to stare at it as th

cking as the abruptly dismissi

" Mom suddenly asked with that unreadable expr

ness with him." Why was I stuttering and soun

ur

worry lines ma

lexed over her react

nd kissed my cheek. "I love you, Roxy, and will always want the best for you. Kyl

because I'd never met him unti

another affectionate smile and l

e to ignore the complex emotion