It seems to open Abbie’s floodgates and the questions pour out, so quickly Caroline can barely keep up.

“Where did you go? What does she look like? Where did you meet her? Did you like her? Are you going out again?”

Blowing out a breath, Caroline stares down at Abbie who is staring at her with utter curiosity. And she knows, theoretically, she can tell Abbie that it’s not her business or that it’s “an adult thing” but honestly, she doesn’t want to be one of those adults.

So she indulges Abbie’s questions in short but honest answers and she thinks that will be the end of it, assuming it’s just one of the topics Abbie is curious about as a sharp minded young woman.

It’s not the end.

She fields questions for the rest of the walk home, about a few of her past relationships, giving very light details.

“What’s your type?” Abbie asks as they approach Caroline’s condo.

“My type?” She can’t control the incredulous laugh that escapes her at the absurdity of being interrogated by a ten-year-old about her type.

But Abbie isn’t laughing, and she indignantly puts her hands on her hips. “Your type! What does your dream girl look like? What’s she act like? Do you want to have kids?”

Immediately the laughter dies on her lips, because all she can picture is Abbie’s own damn mother. And she certainly isn’t about to say that. She clears her throat as she wraps her arm around Abbie’s shoulders and taps her knuckles lightly on her shoulder. “What’s with all of the questions?”

Abbie heaves a sigh before she shrugs. “I don’t know. I have a growing mind.” She gives Caroline a purposefully bright smile, her expression still clearly waiting on Caroline’s answer.

“I don’t have a type,” she dodges. It’s not untrue; it’s not like she has a checklist. “But yeah, kids are a plus. Duh.” She bumps Abbie with her hip as she unlocks her door and she grins at Abbie’s surprised giggle.

She’s relieved when Abbie doesn’t ask anymore follow-up questions, though. The line of questioning is a little too close to home.

xi

xi

Hangout Weekend – also known as Columbus Day weekend – has always been a time where Caroline and her friends forego their normal routines.

She’s grinning as she answers their group message about who’s bringing what for when they head up there in two days and she is more than ready for a vacation.

“What’s that smile over?” Hannah asks as she shoulders her own backpack while Abbie is gathering her own, ready to go home for the evening.

The sight of it makes her involuntarily grin even wider – because Hannah is thriving as she’s diving back into earning her degree and she loves being able to see it.