Page 8 of Somehow You Knew

I know she’s much older than me, but in a way, we’re kindred spirits—independent, sassy, and confident.

“He’s one lucky pup.” I stroke the top of his head as he finally begins to settle in my lap.

“I don’t know what I would do without that dog.” Diane barks out a cough, reminding us both that her health is declining with each passing day.

“Maybe I need to get a dog,” I say, trying not to address the elephant in the room. “Since I’m swearing off men, perhaps I just need a fur-boyfriend instead.”

Diane lifts a brow. “Well, that’s one way to phrase it. Just don’t say it in public.”

I chuckle as I lean back on the couch. “Noted.”

“So you’re swearing off men?”

“Oh yeah. After last week, I can officially say the dating world and I have called it quits.”

“It’s such a shame my nephew doesn’t live closer… I know you two would hit it off.”

I hold up my hand and roll my eyes simultaneously. “Diane, we’ve been over this. I know you think he can walk on water, but I’m telling you, I’m done. I have plenty of silicone toys to last me a lifetime, and my business keeps me busy. Love is overrated anyway, don’t you think?”

Diane has been single most of her life. She told me the story of how she was engaged once but called it off at the last minute because it just didn’t feel right. Lo and behold, her fiancé was cheating with a woman a few towns over, and she found out when the doctor’s office calledher phone instead of his with an urgent message. Turns out, the call was about his STD test results. Luckily, Diane was in the clear, but it just goes to show you that you can stand at the edge of forever with someone and still realize you never really knew them at all.

And her gut saved her from making one of the biggest mistakes of her life.

I can’t help but feel that my gut is doing the same for me.

“No man is perfect, Hazel, but Gage is hardworking and has a creative soul like you. His sense of humor actually reminds me a lot of yours, although lately, due to his—”

My phone rings in my purse, interrupting her. Scrambling to answer it, I say, “I’m sorry, Diane. Hold that thought.”

“No worries, dear. Nowadays, it’s almost weird if a phonedoesn’tinterrupt a conversation.” Her smile is genuine, so I know she’s truly not bothered by it.

When I see that it’s Laney, I wait for the call to end, then shoot her a quick text to let her know I’ll call her back shortly.

“Now, where were we?” I look up to see that Diane has started to fall asleep in her chair, with Blueberry now curled up in her lap. Standing from the couch, I grab the blanket off the back and drape it over the two of them, making sure to keep Blueberry’s face exposed.

“I’m gonna take off,” I whisper.

“Okay, dear. Thank you, as always.”

“My pleasure, Diane.” I lean down and kiss her forehead, hesitantly reminding myself that each time I see her could be the last.

Because when you’ve lost people, you start thinking like this—wondering if this time will be the last. Each last is your last before you ever realize it. And then when it hits you, the finality of the moment can make it feel like it’s almost too hard to breathe.

“See you on Tuesday,” I whisper, gently pulling the front door shut behind me.

I slide into my car, tossing my bag into the passenger seat before sinking into the driver’s seat with a sigh.

As I pull onto the road, I tap my screen to call Laney back.

“Hey girl!” Laney’s cheery voice bursts through the speakers, instantly lifting my mood.

“What’s up? Sorry I couldn’t answer. I was with Diane.”

“No worries. I just wanted details about your date the other night. You never called me, so I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign, you know?”

I let out another sigh. “Oh, Jesus. It was definitelynotgood. But in the chaos of Willow going into labor and giving birth to Michael, I totally spaced on calling you back.”

“Oh, don’t even worry about it. I totally understand. And, a new little baby to love on? Congrats, auntie! Being an aunt is the best.”