Safe Bet (The Rules #4)(55)

Wait. “What? Why do you say that?” My gaze meets hers, confusion slipping through me.

“I’ve been keeping secrets from you, son, and I’m sorry.” She sighs then makes a face, like it hurt her. “I’ve been seeing someone.”

“You have?”

She nods. “Yes. He’s a real nice man. He works at the bank I go to. When I went in there over a fraud case and had to get a new debit card, he was the one who helped me. We started flirting and before I left with my new card, he asked me out for coffee.”

I’m in shock. “When did this happen?” I vaguely remember her telling me about a debit card issue, but that feels like a long time ago.

“Almost two years ago.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Yes. Richard is very nice. I think you’ll like him.”

“But why didn’t you tell me about him?” I’m kind of hurt. Scratch that—I’m really hurt. Why did she keep this from me? And for two years? That’s a long-ass time. It makes no sense.

“Well, at first I didn’t think it would go anywhere, so why bother bringing him into our lives, you know? Let alone mentioning him. We were just friends, but then it grew into something more and now…now we’re in love. And a few weeks ago, he asked me to marry him.”

“What?” I keep saying that word, but she keeps dropping these bombs on me, so I can’t help it. That’s where the ring came from. It’s an engagement ring.

Holy shit.

“Yes. Married. We’re just engaged, so there’s no rush. And now with the accident, I’m sure I’ll have to wait a little longer. But that’s okay. We have all the time in the world.”

This time, the smile on her face is real, and I don’t think it’s hurting her either. She looks content. Happy even. Despite her being banged up and in the hospital with two black eyes and a broken ankle, I can feel the happiness radiating from her.

And it makes me happy too, despite her secret-keeping.

“I wish you would’ve told me about him,” I say quietly. “Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs, then winces. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I’ve never had the best luck with men. Then after a while, when I realized it was real, you were so busy, I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“You should’ve just…told me.”

“I know. And I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. Just—don’t keep secrets, okay?”

“Ah, well. We all have secrets, though, don’t we? Like your new girlfriend? The Naughty Nanny?” Mom teases.

Great. I knew she’d hear about it. Why wouldn’t she? Everyone in the world knows, I swear. “Sydney didn’t have an affair with Drew.”

“Oh, I know. I’m just teasing. Drew is too good to his wife to ever do something like that.” She hesitates, her voice going softer. “Is she a nice girl, Wade? This Sydney? Do you like her a lot?”

I’m tempted to tell her the relationship is bogus, but something holds me back. That tiny detail might worry my mom. Or make her ask too many questions I don’t want to answer.

Then I think of Sydney naked in her bed this morning. I think of how she hugged me and rubbed my shoulders and kissed me like she meant it. I think of all those things that make her who she is, and how I like every single one of those little details.

“Yeah. I like her a lot. I think you would too.”

“You need to bring her over then, so I can meet her, and you can show her your hometown. Then you two can meet Richard.”

“You sure you don’t want me to wait two years first?” I ask sarcastically.

“Smartass,” she mutters, shaking her head, making me grin. She sounds like her regular self, and that reassures me. “Maybe in a few weeks we can come watch one of your games, if I’m feeling better.”

“Whenever you want tickets, Mom, I’ll put some aside for you. And whatever money you might need too, I’m here. If things go well this season, you might be able to retire by the end of next year.”

That’s my goal. I want to take care of her so she never has to work again. She’s done so much for me my entire life. Now it’s my turn to do something for her. It’s the least I can do for all the sacrifices she’s made over the years.

“Ah, wouldn’t that be lovely? I hope it comes true. Then when Richard retires, we could travel the world.” She smiles as she closes her eyes. “Thank you for running to my rescue, Wade. It is so good to see you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell her. “I’ll stay with you here as long as you need me.”

“Until Richard’s off from work, maybe?”

“Sure you want me to meet him?”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you?” she mutters. “Yes. I want you to meet him.”

“Then I’ll stay here as long as you need me. Is Richard taking you home from the hospital?” I ask.

“Yes. He’ll take care of me these next few weeks. Already said he’ll take vacation time if I need him to.” She grabs hold of my hand again, giving it a squeeze. “He’s one of the good ones, Wade. Took me a while, but I finally lucked out and found one. I hope your Sydney is like that. Because once you find a good one, you don’t ever let them go. Trust me.”