mess around with them, and expect this to have a future? And what is my actual relationship with them? Shouldn't I be looking for a husband, for a man willing to help raise Gabby?"
"No, you're supposed to be looking for someone you care about. Stop thinking of this as a job interview, and start thinking of it as a relationship. Besides, I'm pretty sure those five are all in," Ashley assured me. "Honestly, they're pretty serious about this. Trent was telling me all about the tryouts and how he was sad it wasn't an open-viewing thing. He was planning to go cheer her on, Elena."
Ok, that really was cute. More so since he hadn't even told me. That made it feel like he was honestly doing this for Gabby, which made me like him more. Funny how that worked. Granted, maybe he was older and ready for a family? I could always just ask.
"So, Ian's thirty, I know that. Lane's thirty-six?"
"Yep," Ashley agreed. "Pax and Trent are thirty-three. Like two months difference between them. Seth's the baby of the group at just twenty-nine, but he's only five months younger than Ian. We get to do his big 'over the hill' party in January."
"At least they're still closer to my age than my daughter's," I joked.
Ashley laughed at that. "You're fine, Elena. Stop worrying about their age! Stop worrying about what other people will think and just enjoy being the center of attention. You deserve this. After eighteen years with Gerardo? This is just you making up for lost time."
"And I still have to find a way to bring this up with Gabby," I reminded her.
She grabbed for her phone. "You know, I have a movie on this list that might open the door to having that chat." She lifted a brow. "And I'm more than willing to hang around and help. You know, so we keep it casual. Just girl talk."
"Ashley, I love you."
And I did. Lately, it felt like she was my sanity in all of this. Every single time I needed her, she was willing to drop everything and make it happen. Today was no exception. Granted, putting on a movie and waiting for the right opportunity felt a little contrived, but we tried it anyway. The most shocking thing was that it actually worked.
Just over an hour into it, my daughter descended from her room again. I knew she was doing it to make sure I could see how miserable she was, but I'd been counting on her to stay consistent. When she walked between us and the TV, we ignored it. It was on the way back when Ashley "casually" decided to include her.
"Have you seen this one, Gabby?"
She paused to look at the screen. "Yeah, it's kinda old." Which meant it was released over a year ago.
Grabbing the remote, Ashley paused it. "So, does she end up with the younger guy?"
Gabby groaned. "No! I mean, those three were being so nice to her, and she ends up with none of them. It's stupid!"
"I dunno," I said, trying to play my part. "Doesn't that mean this is more about her figuring out her own happiness without needing a man to do it?"
"Sure," Ashley told me, "but three cute guys? C'mon."
"Which would never work."
Gabby chuckled. "Mom, haven't you ever heard of poly? There are people who do this all the time. It's kinda normal."
"Huh." Because that was not at all the response I'd expected.
Ashley, however, was grinning. "I'd date more than one guy if I thought I could get away with it." She nodded at Gabby. "Tell me you wouldn't?"
"I dunno," Gabby said, sneaking a glance at me. "I think it might be hard. And maybe I'd be all worried about what people would say. But I also know that's not fair. I mean, people talk crap about gay couples, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'd just hope my family would stick up for me."
"Always," I promised her, immediately feeling the need to reassure her.
She just smiled at me. "Cuz that's your job, right? Well, mine's kinda the same. So if you decide to date all the neighbors, Mom, I've got your back."
And then she just trotted right back up the stairs, leaving me sitting there with my mouth to my knees. When her door closed, I pointed up after her. "Did that just happen?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it did," Ashley told me. "I also think you underestimate that one. She's got your number."