Maybe Later(87)

“You're ridiculous.” She chides me with the motherly voice she’s been using since I was a kid. “She invited you last December when she got engaged. I not only expect you to be there, but bring your girlfriend too.”

I grip the phone receiver and look around my office. Where do I get an imaginary girlfriend on such short notice?

“She can’t go, Mom.”

“I understand, escorts have tight schedules.”

“Mom that’s—”

“There’s always Kiley Ott if Georgina isn’t a good fit.”

How many women is she trying to set me up with? And Kiley Ott? She’s like forty and married.

“Mom she used to babysit us.”

“No, her sister Kaileigh is the one who babysat you. Kiley’s ten years younger. She’s cute, and a lawyer.”

“But I have a girlfriend, Mom,” I insist. I’m determined to win this round or at least fight until she gives up on finding me a date. “I don’t think she’d appreciate if I spent the weekend with Kelly.”

“Kiley,” she corrects me. “Then, bring her with you. If you need us to buy the plane ticket, we will.”

“No, Mom. I think I can afford the ticket.”

“Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow.”





Acknowledgments



This is one of the most difficult parts for me to write. I have a terrible memory, and I am afraid of forgetting anyone. Please forgive me if I do. Before I continue, let me tell you that I’m grateful for all of you and for being part of the world that I’ve created.

So where do I start?

First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for all the blessings in my life.

To my family, for your support and patience. Luis, the best husband a woman can have. He’s my biggest supporter, my inspiration and the love of my life. My kids, they give me all the energy and material to keep going. The things I learned from Paulina about Tinder. Dating these days aint easy people.

Thank you to Grahame for reading the early version of Maybe Later. Your notes and support help me through this book.

My alpha readers, Michelle, Patricia, Yolanda, Deb, and Kim. Thank you isn’t enough, but I am grateful, ladies.

Michelle, what can I say that I haven’t said yet? You keep me sane and some days that’s all I have, my sanity.

My hooker! Thank you for your daily calls and your friendship.

To Hang Le—you complete my books, always. I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for me and my stories. Love you my friend.

Ellie, thank you so much for working on this manuscript!

Kristi, thank you for always listening and understanding me. Not sure where I’d be without you.

To the Book Lovin’ Chicas group, thank you so much for your continuous support. For your daily cheers, and the words of encouragement. I’m grateful for you.

Thank you to all the bloggers who help spread the word about my books. I guess thank you doesn’t cut it, your energy and support are what makes every release a success.

To my readers, I am grateful to you. Thank you for reading my words, and for supporting my books. Thank you so much for those emails and notes, they mean so much to me.



All my love,

Claudia