“Stranger things have happened.”

“Who has the hots for whom?” Jared walked into the kitchen, followed by the twins—who were dressed in matching Spiderman pajamas and looked much too excited to be ready for bed.

“I sure hope Phil still has the hots for you,” Lou said quickly. “You do look rather dashing in that suit.”

Jared straightened his posture and fiddled with his tie. “Why, thank you, young lady. By the way, you must let us know how we can repay you. I can assure you tonight will not be a Netflix night for you. These two are beside themselves because you’re here.” He sighed.

“You know it’s my pleasure.” Lou glanced at the twins who were doing a silly dance around the kitchen. Every time she saw them the desire to have children of her own flared up inside of her. Because subconsciously—and perhaps cruelly—that had also been the rule she had measured Meredith against. Could this be a potential co-parent to her children? One glance at Meredith as she stood gesticulating while she talked into her phone and Lou had known enough.

“We’ll see what you have to say about that when we get back and you’re close to a nervous breakdown,” Jared joked.

For the next hour, Lou didn’t have a second of brainpower available to think about her conversation with Phil or Meredith’s failed chances as she played with Toby and Yasmine. She finally got them into bed, read them the same story three times over, and they eventually fell asleep—suddenly and in the most outrageous position, the way only young children can.

It was only when she sat on the couch and poured herself the remainder of the bottle of wine Phil had opened that she had the chance to think and, immediately, her mind drifted toward Mia, as it had been doing a lot lately.

Lou was fairly certain she didn’t have the hots for her, but she could not ignore Mia’s presence on the outskirts of her life as easily as she had expected—or wanted.

The next Monday Lou and Amber were having lunch at Glow. Earlier, they’d had their daily cup of coffee and tea at the Pink Bean, and Amber had again showed a more courteous demeanor toward Mia.

“Do you think people can truly change?” Lou asked.

Amber smiled enigmatically. “Oh yes, but before I elaborate, may I inquire as to why you’re asking me such a deep and philosophical question on an ordinary Monday?”

“I’ve noticed some change in your behavior when it comes to Mia lately.” Lou knew she could be straightforward with Amber. “You seem to have warmed to her.”

Amber pouted, which made her cheeks dimple. “Well, it’s hard to give the cold shoulder to the person who tweaked our online ads so successfully.”

“Of course. I get that.”

“But?” Amber asked.