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I feel my heart rate starting to settle down. Why was I so nervous about telling Jane?

“Charlie's been such a mess with women these days,” she says. “He seems a little lost.”

“Lost in what way?” I ask, way more interested in this than I should be.

“Well, you know, he dated Vanessa for about a year and that went really well until it didn’t. He seemed to really like her, and things were good, but they just didn't click on all the things. And then her ex was a huge problem. I think Charlie was truly disappointed that they couldn’t make things work. I’m pretty sure that disappointment is new for him when it comes to relationships. In the past, he’s just quickly moved on to the next woman. But I think he’s maybe finally looking to settle down.”

That’s an interesting tidbit of information. I can’t imagine him settling down. Getting married. Having kids. Moving to the suburbs.

Jane continues. “And then, his buddy Stratton got married to Ariel and I think that threw Charlie for a loop. I’m sure he thought that Stratton would always be single. I think Charlie's just starting to question everything about what he wants in life and what's important. And that’s a really good thing.”

“It’s tough when all your friends start coupling up. I get that,” I say.

“And then of course, Dad is always on him about what his next move is and why he hasn't settled down. I know that makes him crazy.”

“Yea, your dad is intense with a capital I.”

"Oh my god, tell me about it," Jane groans. "Remember when Trey and I had been dating for like six months and I brought him home for dinner?"

"Vaguely," I say, though I do kind of remember Jane calling me afterward in a complete panic.

"Dad basically conducted an interrogation over the roast beef. 'So when are you thinking about getting married?' and 'How many children do you want?' and my personal favorite, 'Have you considered what neighborhood you'll settle in?'" Jane's impression of her father's booming voice makes me laugh out loud.

"I remember now. That was brutal," I say, picturing poor Trey squirming in his seat.

"I was dying. Literally dying inside. I kept kicking Dad under the table, which he completely ignored. Mom just kept refilling everyone's wine glasses like nothing was happening." Jane lets out a laugh. "I was so sure Trey was going to run for the hills after that dinner."

"But he didn't," I point out, smiling at the thought of Jane and Trey's wedding day three years ago. They'd looked so happy.

"No, thank God. When we got in the car afterward, I started apologizing immediately, and Trey just laughed. Said his dad had done the same thing to his sister's boyfriend, so he was prepared. But still—I wanted to kill him. Yeah, intense is an understatement when you’re talking about Bill Astor.

“Well, thank God it all ended well. You and Trey are perfect for each other and now that you live in Portland, you don’t have to endure many family dinners.

Jane laughs. “So true! Alright, babe, gotta run. I’m at the office and have twenty hours of work to fit into an eight-hour day. Wish me luck.”

“Go get ‘em, girl. Talk soon.”

I put the phone down on the kitchen counter and have another sip of coffee. Damn, this stuff reallyisgood. I’ll never admit it to Charlie though.

So, Charlie wants to settle down, huh? That is shocking news to me. He’s dated some amazing women and no one has been able to tie him down yet. Is it all just about timing?

I wonder about that question for myself as well. I’ve had a few serious relationships over the years and just ended one recently. I’ve never felt like I’ve been with “the one” though. They’ve all been good guys and have treated me well. But not one of them has knocked my socks off. Sometimes I wonder if I’m too picky.

Art brushes against me and says hello with an adorable high-pitched meow. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, aka Art, is my most recent rescue cat. I got him last year when my senior orange tabby, Fred, died. Art is a tuxedo cat with the most expressive gold eyes.

“You’re my one true love. Aren’t you, Art?” Art gives me that kitty slow blink and jumps up on the counter looking for pets.

“You know you’re not supposed to be up here, bad boy.” He turns up his purr machine and headbutts my arm. I give him exactly what he’s looking for—scratches between the eyes and under the chin.

My phone buzzes with a text.

Charlie:Still drinking that amazing coffee?

Me:No. Threw it out.

Charlie:Are you up for getting together to go over wedding plans?

My heart jumps involuntarily.Easy there, Tess. He’s not talking aboutourwedding for Christ’s sake.