Page 33 of The Last Special Thing

“But that’s the theater you always go to,” Weston pressed. “You hate the community theater.” He tilted his head, his face puzzled.

Amelia had been boisterous about her feelings toward the local community theater. She referred to it as lowbrow and commented she'd rather walk on hot coals than go back after a painful rendition of Hairspray.

“You’re right. I think we already missed the play. Let’s go,” Amelia conceded.

Weston’s eyes searched hers, and then she let her gaze drop. She reached for her keys on the nightstand.

She led them out of her flat and into the backyard, where Lauren was approaching.

“Oh, are you leaving?” She paused by the rose bushes lining the house.

“Yes, mom.”

“Great to see you, Mrs. Cox.” Weston grinned.

“Of course, I meant what I said about you being welcomed any time.”

The group was almost at the ivy-adorned side gate when Lauren called, “Amelia, a minute, please.”

Amelia’s chest rose, and she turned back. Madisson slipped past Amelia, and when Weston walked by, he held his palm open. She passed him the keys in a huff.

Lauren’s eyes met Amelia’s. The woman was unblinking as she waited for Weston and Madisson to be out of sight. The Cox family did not make a scene in front of their guests.

“What can I help you with?” Amelia asked, mouth straight.

“I want you to come to the main house for lunch. You hardly seem to be around this summer.”

“I’m here every morning and every night.”

“Fine, come for coffee, and we’ll talk about your plans for when you go abroad. Georgina said you talked a lot about Amsterdam during your last call, and I’m not sure that’s the best place for you.” Fucking Georgina.

“Sounds great, Mom. Thanks again for letting us know the pool was warm.” Amelia said with her best attempt at sincerity. Right now, all she wanted was to be at the apartment to control the situation between Weston and Art. While Art knew about Weston, she didn’t want to blindside Weston about Art.

She flashed a practiced smile. “I’ll be home by eleven.”

Lauren nodded, seemingly satisfied.

Shuffling down the path around the house, Amelia tried to devise a plan.

She still didn’t have one when she reached the car.

“What was that about?” Weston asked.

“She wants me to have coffee with her tomorrow.”

She remained quiet the rest of the drive, running dozens of scenarios in her mind: reintroduce Weston to Art, her boyfriend, as soon as they arrived. Text Art and tell him she needs more time to tell Weston they're dating. Encourage Weston to get so high that he would forget that he and Amelia were ever involved.

By the time Weston pulled up to the apartment complex, she still didn’t have any idea how to introduce her ex-boyfriend to her new one.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Art was on the phone, a few feet from the apartment door, when Weston, Madisson, and Amelia approached. She gave him a casual wave, and he nodded back at her before dropping his head and speaking into the phone.

It was Amelia’s good fortune that the reintroduction was postponed

Not even two steps into the apartment, Max picked Madisson up in a hug. She wrapped her legs around his small waist. There was a new tattoo of a fork and spoon holding hands on his forearm. It was no wonder Madisson never left him alone for long.

She moved to the couch, blocking out the sound of sloppy kissing behind her. Weston took up the space on the far end of the couch from Amelia.