Page 88 of Fierce-Matt

“When did this start?” his mother asked.

“You know. You set me up. Just be honest.”

His mother’s smile dropped. “How did you figure it out?”

“Damn, Grace. You gave in much faster than I thought you would,” his father said.

“Me too,” Matt said. “I expected more of a fight. I’m disappointed.”

His mother swatted his arm, but he’d jumped back. He was familiar with that move of hers.

“When did you start to date?”

“About a month ago. We were just talking when she came in with her parents. We were testing the waters shortly after.”

“And now you’re comfortable with the temperature?” Grace asked.

“Enough for now.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Tim said.

“I’m not. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“That sounds old and boring,” Grace said.

His jaw dropped. “Seriously? Anya said I was boring too.”

His parents both laughed at his appalled expression.

“I didn’t sayyouwere boring,” his mother said. “But that your statement was.”

“I proved her wrong.”

“The day at Carowinds?” his mother asked.

“Yes. That was the changing point for us. And I know Jolene has her finger in this. Or thinks she does. She’s been talking to Anya more and we put it together the day after we were there.”

“She isn’t as sly as she used to be,” his father said.

“Are you going to tell her?” he asked.

“Nope,” Grace said.

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“I’m not going to call her to tell her,” his mother insisted.

That didn’t mean the first time Jolene reached out to his mother the news wouldn’t be spread. He knew those lawyer games.

“I told Phoebe on Sunday. I thought she should hear it from me. Anya was her friend first.”

“I’m sure your sister was stunned. She used to run to me about talking to you to cut the crap,” Grace said.

“And you told me to,” he said. He should have listened more. Damn teenage stage where he thought he knew it all. Or maybe his mother didn’t push as hard. No reason to place any blame.

Didn’t all teenagers think that though?

“It didn’t do me much good back then.”