Page 63 of Broken Secrets

“The things we do for our children,” Robert observes, and I see Jeremy’s expression shift slightly at the word ‘children.’ Plural. As in, Emma isn’t his only child.

“What about you, Olivia?” Jeremy asks, turning his attention to me. “Are you planning to keep playing soccer in college?”

“I’m hoping for a scholarship,” I say. “I’ve got a couple schools interested, but nothing definite yet.”

“She’s being modest,” Mom interjects. “Three Division I schools have reached out, and her coach thinks she has a real shot at getting a full ride.”

“Maybe you can come to more games next season,”

“I’d love that,” Jeremy says quietly.

After dinner, Emma helps me clear the dishes while the adults linger at the table. As we load the dishwasher, she chatters about Michigan, about her friends, about the differences between her high school and mine.

“Your mom seems really nice,” she says, scraping plates. “I was worried she might hate me because of… well, you know. The history with my mom and everything.”

“She doesn’t hate you,” I assure her. “She might be struggling with seeing Jeremy again, but she’s not taking that out on you.”

“Good. Because I really want her to like me.” Emma pauses in her plate-scraping. “Is it weird? Having me here? Learning you have a sister?”

“Weird, yeah. But good weird.”

When we return to the dining room, the adults are deep in conversation about insurance regulations, of all things. Robert’s explaining some policy changes that affect Jeremy’s business, and Mom is asking surprisingly informed questions about small business challenges.

“Ready to head back to the Airbnb?” Jeremy asks Emma as we rejoin them.

“Do we have to? I’m having so much fun.”

“You’re exhausted, and we have a full day planned tomorrow,” Jeremy says gently but firmly.

As they gather their coats, Emma hugs me goodbye with the enthusiasm of someone who’s found her missing puzzle piece. Jeremy’s goodbye is more tentative, a brief, awkward hug that suggests he’s not sure of the boundaries yet.

“Thank you for dinner,” he tells Mom. “And for… this. All of this.”

“Thank you for coming,” she replies, and I can tell she means it despite the complexity of the situation.

I curl up on the couch, my phone buzzes with a text from

Derek

How’s the family reunion going? Everything okay?

I stare at the message, realizing I haven’t thought about Derek much today. Between the game last night and meeting Jeremy and Emma, my boyfriend has been relegated to the background of my attention.

Me

Weird but good. Talk tomorrow?

“Who’s texting?” Mom asks, settling onto the couch beside me.

“Derek. He wanted to know how things went tonight.”

Mom raises an eyebrow. “He’s been very supportive through all the family stuff. He seems like a good friend.”

“Actually,” I say, deciding there’s no point in hiding it now, “we’re kind of dating now. Like, officially. It’s pretty recent.”

Robert pauses in his leftover-organizing and looks over with interest. Mom sets down her water glass and turns to face me fully.

“Dating?” she asks. “When did this happen?”