“That’s a stretch.”

“Is it, though?” Renee snapped. “You know, when you came home for winter break, I never considered asking to see your first semester’s grades. And now I’m starting to think that they weren’t as stellar as you claimed.”

When Tansy had reported she’d received straight As her first term, Renee hadn’t thought to ask for actual proof. Tansy was a hardworking, dedicated student. She always had been. One afternoon during her sophomore year, Tansy had actually arrived home in tears, practically inconsolable over receiving a B+ on a history paper.

“I’m not even close to failing out, but thanks for the vote of confidence.” Hurt filled Tansy’s words. “I’m totally maintaining the GPA required to keep my scholarship. I’m not an idiot. So, calm down. Please. I know this must come as a shock but I can chill at frat houses and write an essay on Emily Dickinson. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.”

“Since when do you even care about Greek life? Let me guess. Mr. Shirtless is a frat boy. What a shocker.”

“His name is Beckett! And I am going to Colorado this summer, for as long as I feel like. I’m legally an adult, and I can make my own decisions. And I choose Beckett. I want to spend my summer with him.” Tansy’s anger erupted. “You know what? You’re probably just jealous because when’s the last time you’ve had a boyfriend since Dad left? Oh wait, I know…never!”

The phone went dead.

Renee sat in stunned silence, looking at her phone as if it had smacked her across the face.

Whoa.

She blinked, trying to focus, but the room felt blurred and unreal.

What the hell just happened?

Her daughter had never spoken to her that way; they used to joke they were like the Gilmore Girls. Now it felt like they were starring in a nineties Jerry Springer episode or something. Except, what Tansy had shouted had some truth to it, even if she did spit it out like a brat.

She hadn’t slept with anyone since Russell left. And she hadn’t slept with anyone before him either. The tall and lanky Russell Rhodes, with his green eyes and shaggy blond hair, had taken her virginity, and she’d married him thinking they’d be together forever.

Her almost-kiss yesterday was the most romantic action she’d received since she’d bought a battery-operated boyfriend off Amazon five years ago.

Good lord. She was practically a nun.

And what had she been thinking anyway, moving in for that kiss? Sure, she had a giant crush on the tall, dark, and handsome Dr. Dan, but he was first and foremost her boss. And she had forgotten how awkward it was to share your feelings. Did he really like her? After all, she was a woman who loved going to Target or watching HGTV.

Renee pushed herself from the bedroom floor and trudged downstairs in dazed, plodding steps.

Restless, she needed company—some light conversation and distraction.

Sadie, she thought, grabbing a jean jacket and heading next door.