A night of celebration, a lifetime consequence

e's

iar jitters had started as soon as I woke up. It was just coffee, I reminded myself. A casual meeting

it together, Jace," I muttered. I wasn't a teenager preparing fo

, it was a work email from my father, marked urgent. A small sigh escaped me. He couldn't go a single weeken

lan?" I ran through potential conversation topics in my head. Asking about her work seemed safe, but I didn'

an I should after just one meeting. But I wasn't about to rush this and scare

ious night's thoughts-her smile, the way her laugh made me feel like I'd known her for years. The

against the counter. "She agreed to

d? What if my family's name came up? Would she think I was entitled or privileged? I shook my he

a self-deprecating chuckle at my nervo

-

sha'

ned over her coffee mug. "This guy bumps into you at the store

ng a sip of my tea to hide my unease

e. A guy doesn't just casually ask for coffee unless he's interes

Lisa. He seems nice, but I'm not looking for

last time you even thought about doing something for yourself? I'm not saying you need t

is on the kids. They've been through enough. I can't afford distractions, an

our kids aren't the only ones who deserve happiness. You've put yourself last for so long, it's like you'

derstand what it means to date someone with kids? This isn't just about me-i

t?" Lisa prompted

off? What if he sees me as too complicated or too much? Being a mom isn't just pa

t every guy is going to run the moment things get real. And honestly, if he does, he's not the

t, though. What if the kids get attached and then

utting yourself off from something good? Jace might not even be looking for anything serious right now. Why not j

nvincing myself. "I just... I don't think I'm in a place to open it yet. R

she wasn't entirely convinced. "I unders

t's

everything out today. Just go, be yourself, and see where it g

Okay," I said finally. "I'll try to keep an open m

'm asking for. Now, tell me

g my head. "Lisa,

essions matter, even for

-

POV: The C

ones and inviting atmosphere. I arrived early, a habit I couldn't seem to break. Settl

more. Jace didn't need to know about my past or my kids

o my children. They were my world, my priori

I saw Jace across the street, waiting at the crosswalk. He hadn't noticed m

le nervous. It was endearing in a way, but I reminded myself not to read too mu

and of hair behind my ear. I would keep things simple and honest. I

I gave him a small smile. Just friends, I