Blair’s parents had been very good at giving her space ever since she had started college. They said they understood she did whatever she wanted while she was there, so they were not going to try to control her when she was home. For that reason, even though Blair always let them know when she wasn’t coming home just so they wouldn’t worry, they never questioned where she was. Blair wasn’t sure if her mom even realized there was something going on between her and Erin. Although, the birthday party probably gave that one away.

“Yeah, but it’s not like that.” Kind of? Sort of? Beats me.

“Oh? That’s too bad. I really like Erin. Is it because she has a kid? I can’t blame you. I was also worried about that when I first noticed you watching her with that distinct sparkle you get in your eyes every time you have a crush. If I’m being brutally honest, I didn’t think you were ready for that.” She put up her hand as though she could sense how much that sentence crushed Blair, because really, was there anyone in her life who actually believed she could handle this? “If you were listening, which god knows if you were, because you are your father’s daughter after all, I said I didn’t think. As in past tense. You proved me completely wrong these past few months. I’ve seen a completely different side of you, and watching you with Nolan…” Blair was surprised when her mom grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “I have no doubt that you are the perfect person for him and for Erin. If you’re questioning that, please don’t.”

Wow. So, her mom did believe in her. That meant more to Blair than she could ever imagine. Now all she had to do was convince the person she was trying to date of that. But what more could she do if Erin still didn’t realize it by now? “It’s not me  who’s questioning it.” Blair shook her head as she thought of how to explain it without making Erin look bad. She didn’t want her mom to have a bad taste in her mouth about the girl she was trying to spend her future with. “Erin had a really bad experience with her ex-wife. She left Erin and Nolan with pretty much no warning, and now Erin has trouble trusting people. It doesn’t help that her dad also left her.”

Her mom’s face hardened slightly, and Blair worried that she revealed too much. “In that case, be careful. I really like Erin and I’m sorry she went through that, but you’re my daughter, so in the end, my loyalties are with you. I don’t want you to get wrapped up in her drama and end up hurt.”