“Well, mom I guess it takes one to know one because you waited what, five minutes after dad died to sleep with the mayor.”

I felt pride at her retort, and I was so glad she was sticking up for herself.

“That was different. At least he was a respectable man, and I wasn’t hanging around with his friends.”

“You wouldn’t even know a respectable man if he rammed his car into you. Those men have more respect in this small town than the mayor ever did in his life. Didn’t he get caught embezzling money?”

“He was….”

“Mother, I think it’s time for you to leave. When you get off your high horse, call me.”

“When Callum and his friends leave you in the dust, don’t bother coming to me and if you do, I’ll make sure to tell you I told you so.” Heels clicked down the hall and a door slammed.

“Fuck!” Jane yelled. We looked at each other for a moment. “I know you guys are listening. Please come out.”

We looked at each other like we just got busted by our mother, but we went into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry you had to hear that,” she said as soon as she saw us.

“Don’t apologize, babe,” Cal said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. “You were amazing and if anyone needs to apologize, it’s your crazy mother.”

“She’s just so frustrating, I can’t believe I have a mother like her.” Jane complained as she leaned back against Callum.

“I can’t believe it either. She wasn’t what I was expecting when I met her. I didn’t think anyone could be so self-absorbed — well, except Paul.” I tried to joke at the end.

“Don’t even get me started on him,” Jane said, looking irritated before she closed her eyes leaning her head back against Cal’s shoulder.

“He’s a pain in the ass that needs to get his shit together.” Aiden came closer to Jane, running his knuckles down her arm.

“Julian seems nice though,” I said, walking closer to her. Cal gently placed a kiss on her neck, looking at me, then Aiden. We all nodded, and I smiled. I had been waiting for this moment for a while and I was fucking excited for it. I stood on the other side of her, mimicking Aiden. Cal rubbed her shoulders in firm strokes as I picked up her hand, massaging it.

“Yes, that feels amazing.” She let her head fall forward as Cal rubbed her neck.