Hi! Sorry again about yesterday, here is todays chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Tris

"Where did the flowers come from?" is the first thing I hear when I walk inside the front door. Forget offering to help with these grocery bags. Apparently, the flowers are much more important.

I ignore my mother's question, and instead, I pretend I don't hear her at all. I set the bouquet down gently and start putting away the groceries. My ignoring her only gets me so far when I hear the soft, lilting laughter of my daughter echoing off the walls. Her bare feet slap against the hardwood floors the closer she gets.

I stand in front of the fridge with the carton of milk in my hand. "Slippers on now, Luna Drake."

She skids to an abrupt halt, then I hear her frustrated growl before her feet stomp back the way she came as she looks for her slippers.

Children.

I can feel my mother's gaze on me as I empty the bags and put everything away. In my peripheral, I spot her lift the roses and sniff. She props one hand on her hip, and it's the start talking stance.

"So, who are the flowers from?"

"What flowers?" I ask, my voice high-pitched with the lie.

"Don't give me that, Beatrice. You know what flowers I'm talking about. Are they from...Tobias?"

I swing to face her, my brows slanted in confusion. An odd sensation brews in my gut. It is one thing to process the idea of Tobias buying me flowers of his own volition, but it's another entirely to think he only bought them because someone else suggested it. I feel...special today. I've never been pursued so thoroughly before, and the last person I would've expected the sweet gesture to come from would be Tobias. I spent years hoping a day like this would come, and now that it's here, I have no idea how to handle it. That light billowing sensation shooting through the center of my chest suddenly dissipates at the thought of someone else putting the idea in his head. "What would make you think that? Did you put him up to this?"

My mom's grin starts in one corner of her face and quickly spreads all the way across. "So you admit it? He bought the flowers for you?"

I narrow my eyes at the smug look on her face. I stupidly fell into her trap without meaning to. I rack my brain, trying to think of something that'll get her off my back. The last thing I need is her asking questions that I most certainly don't have the answers to. I don't need her getting her hopes up where Tobias and I are concerned because we can't be together. Not when he doesn't know the truth.

"Mom." I turn toward her, my voice a warning. "Don't do that. Don't get your hopes up over something that isn't there."

"Isn't there? Honey, were you not at the same dinner I was? I watched you two, the way you looked at each other. There was so much tension in the air the other night—hell, it makes me hot just thinking about it."

I groan. "Mother. Please, stop it."

"What is the big deal here, Beatrice?" She slaps her hands down at her sides in exasperation. "You've been in love with Tobias for years. Why are you suddenly pushing him away?"

"Things are different now. I'm not that same hope-filled girl anymore."

"You're telling me you feel nothing for him at all? That crush of what, seven-plus years is suddenly gone, just like that?"

"Yes. No. I don't know, Mom. I haven't thought about him in years. I never thought I'd see him again. I have Luna now. I can't—"

"You can't what?" my mom asks, crossing her arms over her chest. "You can't be happy? Honey, you're a great mother. Don't think you don't deserve happiness, because you do. What could one date with Tobias hurt?"

It could hurt everything. One date could be my downfall.

"You don't get it." I sigh, avoiding her gaze.

"Why do I feel like I'm missing something here? Is there something you want to share?"

My heart lurches. I keep my gaze fixed out the kitchen window, working up the courage to say what I should've said six years ago. This is my chance. I know I should come clean now. Maybe my mother can help me figure out the next steps. But when I open my mouth to reply, nothing comes out.

"Are those your flowers, Mommy?" Luna yells, as she runs into the kitchen, startling both of us. I snap my mouth shut. I can't tell my mother now, not with little ears here. Shifting, I plaster a smile on my face for my daughter's sake.

"Yes, they are."

She picks them up off the counter and sniffs. Luna pulls a face, jerking her head back. "They stink."

I laugh. "That's just the smell of roses, honey. Some people like it."

She shrugs and spins on her heels with the bouquet still in her hand. My brows pull down when I see where she's heading. I break into a quick run after her.

"Luna, we already told you, you can't go back there right now. They're working."

Ignoring me, my daughter throws open the back door and waves down Tobias, who's talking to my father and a few of his buddies he works with.

"Tobias!" Luna yells loud enough to gain the attention of every person in our neighborhood. "My mommy loves them!" She waves the bouquet around recklessly. I shift my gaze between her and Tobias, who's staring at her with a smirk on his face. I can practically hear him chuckling under his breath even from here. She gives him a thumbs-up, and my gaze narrows as the pieces suddenly click. So it wasn't my mother's idea. It was hers?

I glance at my dad, who's watching the entire scene unfold with a blank expression on his face. I can't tell what he's thinking. How does he feel about Tobias, the man he's grown close with over the past few years, giving his daughter flowers? If it bothers him, he's good at hiding it.

Tobias says something to my dad, but he's too far away to make out whatever it is, then he's heading toward us, dodging his men who are working. My heart kickstarts in my chest. As if someone attached spark plugs to the organ, it pounds to life, beating erratically as he closes the distance. There's sweat glimmering on his forehead, and his T-shirt clings to his skin in the best of ways, showcasing the defined muscles hidden beneath. I swallow hard, trying to avert my gaze.

"Hey, kid," he says, smiling down at Luna.

Hearing him call her "kid" does strange things to me. The effects of it have my stomach turning sharply while the steel drums pound in my chest.

She gives him a big toothy grin, shooting him a thumbs-up. "She loves them! But I hate to tell you, they kinda stink."

Tobias and I share a look, both of us burst out laughing at what a character she is.

"Luna Bella!" my mom yells, sticking her head out of the door. "Is that playdough on your papa's carpet?"

"Crap," Luna hisses. She hands the bouquet back over to me, before spinning on her heels and running to clean up her mess. Tobias and I watch her until she's gone. The flowers in my arms suddenly feel like they weigh a hundred pounds.

"So I'm guessing the flowers were her idea?"

"Not exactly. I asked her some things about you. She seemed like the best source for information."

"Information for what exactly?"

"On how to get you to agree to that date. I had to know your favorite. But it seems she couldn't even help in that department."

I flush, glancing down at my feet to avoid his gaze, and shift, feeling heat crawl across my back. I'm instantly annoyed with myself. Why is it that whenever I'm in the presence of this man, he turns me back into that flushing, shy fool from our childhood? I know I'm a different person now. I've gone through heartbreak, birthed a child, and even opened my own business. Running into Tobias again shouldn't still affect me this way, but it does. Goddammit, it does.

"Well, I'm sure she didn't give the information up freely. What did you have to promise her?"

Tobias laughs. The warm sound swirls through my chest, curling around my heart. "A playground. She's a shark, that one. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if she grows up to be a lawyer."

I twist my lips, fighting my own smile. "I have that same thought all the time."

For a moment, we just stand there staring at each other as something heavy circulates between us. Guilt slams into me as I stare into his eyes. How can I joke around with him about Luna when he doesn't even know she's his daughter?

"You never did say what it was. Your favorite flower."

"Oh, I, umm, I don't really have a favorite."

Tobias mouth twists ruefully. "Noted."

One of the guys, Zeke I think his name is, calls out to Tobias, asking for his help with something. I don't remember a whole lot about Tobias' friends, mainly because my sights were always so set on him that no one ever compared. From what I recall, Zeke has always been the rugged bad boy, through and through. He was the boy fathers warned their daughters about. There's no denying how handsome he is now, with dark, almost inky black hair and sleeves of tattoos that cover his arms. I'm sure he's a walking, talking wet dream for most women.

Uriah was always the cleanest cut out of the guys. With an Army-style cut, tan skin, and bright blue eyes, he's handsome to most women's standards. Zeke and Uriah are brothers. Their father worked at the sheriff's station for years, and I was always so certain Uriah would follow in his footsteps—guess not.

The only friend I really know nothing about is Will. Back when I lived here, he was never around, so it makes me wonder how he became part of their group. I make a mental note to ask Christina for the scoop on that. She's the only one who ever stays up-to-date on all the drama and gossip in town. It only makes sense she'd know how he met Tobias.

"I gotta head back, but I'll see you tomorrow, Tris," Tobias cuts in, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Tomorrow?"

He smiles. The effect of it is a defibrillator to the heart. It sends a course of lightning through the organ. "Your daily dose of courting."

An amused sound bubbles past my lips. I trap my bottom lip in my mouth, and much to my horror, I realize I'm staring up at him fondly, with an expression a woman would use with her lover. One that is entirely too smitten. "You don't have to do this, Tobias. I'm serious."

He shrugs, walking backward, keeping those gorgeous blue eyes on me. "I know I don't. It doesn't mean I'm going to stop anytime soon. I told you, Tris. One date."

With that, he turns, walking back toward the guys and my dad. When my gaze clashes with my father, my stomach churns anxiously. I can't tell what he's thinking, and honestly, I don't want to know. I hurry back inside, sliding the door shut behind me. I rest my weight against it, staring up at the ceiling.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

"Wait, you're telling me he asked you out on a date, he bought you a freaking bouquet of red roses, and you still said no? Are you dumb? Did you bump your head in Pasadena so hard you no longer have a shred of common sense?"

I shoot my best friend, Christina, a glare. Her face is just as made up as it always is. That's Christina in a nutshell. She takes her appearance seriously. I don't think there's ever been a time she's gone out in public without makeup. It isn't that she needs it; she looks beautiful without it. She's dressed in her work attire, a red dress that hugs her slender curves, her bob swaying with her frustrated motions as I recount the events of the past few days. She's beautiful inside and out, with striking features that stop men in their tracks wherever we go.

Christina works here at Jo's Diner, one of our constant hangouts when we were younger. We've been meaning to catch up, but with her busy schedule, it's been nearly impossible, so she suggested I come to her—which works in my favor since I'm jobless. If I'm going to stay here for an unknown amount of time, I need to get a job. And I figure, since my best friend works here, this might be the best place to try. I tried putting my business degree to good use, but here in a small town like this? That means nothing at all.

"Chris, I'm not that girl anymore. That crush was six years ago. I moved on. I'm not that stupid little kid anymore, hoping the hottest guy in town will take notice of her."

"Babe. That was no crush. You were in deep with Tobias. That doesn't just go away because you've been gone six years. That much I know."

Why does everyone keep saying that?

I blow out an agitated breath. "It's not going to work anyway. I have a daughter I'm trying to raise, and I'm supposed to be here for my father, not starting a new relationship with someone."

"Tris, babe. I get that, I do. But at some point, you gotta live your life for you, too. I mean, hell, when was the last time you had sex?"

"Shhh!" I hiss, darting my gaze around the diner, hoping no one heard that. "It's been...I don't know. It's been a long time."

Christina narrows her eyes. It's almost like she can read the answer as if it's written on my forehead. "How long is a long time, exactly?" I look down at the table, focusing on the Sweet'N Low sugar packet I'm spinning around. Anything to avoid her gaze. "Tris. How long?" she demands, her voice growing impatient.

"It's been six years," I mumble under my breath. Christina jerks forward so quickly, it looks like someone pushed her from behind.

"I'm sorry, what the hell did you just say?"

My face is flaming in mortification. God, I hate talking about this. I didn't really have too many people back in Pasadena I could confide in, and even when I did, I would still call Christina for weekly updates. But my sex life is something that has never been on the table—a topic not up for discussion.

"Six years."

Christina's face pales. Quite literally, I watch as the color drains from her face. "Oh, honey. Are you okay? I mean, does it...does it even work anymore?" she whispers, looking truly worried that my vagina is broken after six years of not being in use. I swat at her.

"Stop it! Of course, it still works." I pause. "I mean, I think it still does. Right?"

"I'm even more confused now than I was before this conversation started. Why the hell are you saying no to Tobias? Tobias Eaton of all fucking people? His dick is probably huge. Imagine all the incredible sex you guys can have."

My stomach dips and does a somersault of sorts. Hell, it feels as if acrobatics are happening in my gut.

Oh, I can imagine it all right. I can imagine it just fine. I've lived it and done it. It's what got me pregnant in the first place. It's also why I haven't bothered with any other relationships. No one in Pasadena came close to Tobias. Even though I promised myself I was leaving him in the past, that changed when I had Luna. She was my reminder of what I couldn't have.

It's not like I purposely set out to remain abstinent all these years. It's difficult to juggle being a young single mother, trying to finish school and run a business. After I gave birth, I moved in with my mom in her duplex, and we stayed there for a few years, before we were able to upgrade to something a bit better once I opened Moonchild. With the profit I was making from it and the money from my mother's job, it helped pay for the new house, but it was still hard to coordinate our schedules, so we could take care of Luna. While I was in college, my mom stayed home with Luna for me until I got off, then she'd head out for work and come home late at night.

When I opened Moonchild, things were a little more financially stable. Until it wasn't. But none of it never left any room for me to go out and make friends or meet new people. I wasn't exactly interested in starting a new relationship, so I guess I never really went out of my way to look or open myself up to more possibilities.

"I'm living with my parents, Chris. I'm not exactly in the best place to start a relationship with anyone. I need to focus on Luna and my father."

"So what? You think Tobias doesn't understand? He has his own place for God's sake. It's not like he's going to bang you on your father's couch."

I slam my eyes shut and shake my head at her. And as much as I try not to, I picture just that—him banging me on my father's couch or me bent over, his muscled body pumping in and—

"You're thinking about it, aren't you?"

"What? No."

She smirks with a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Neither was I. So what are you going to do, keep turning him down until he moves on?"

"Well, yeah. That was the plan."

"And if he doesn't move on?"

I come up short. I hadn't really thought about that. Can I keep saying no to Tobias forever, even if it is the right thing to do?

My brain says yes, but my heart, that foolish organ, says no.

"Beatrice! How are you, sweetie?" Joanna's voice rings loudly in the diner, interrupting my thoughts as she walks up to our table. I shoot her a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. I love her as a person, but I'm not exactly sure how much I'll love working for her.

"I'm doing well. How are you?"

"Oh, you know, just getting old. I hear you have a sweet little girl now. What's her name?"

My smile turns genuine. "Luna."

"My, how time flies. I remember when you were just a little thing. Now look at you, a baby with a baby. Christina tells me you're looking for a job?"

I perk up. "I was actually hoping I could interview here with you."

Joanna waves me off. "No need for an interview, honey. You'll start Friday. Just shadow Christina for the day. She'll give you a quick crash course on how everything works at the diner." Her name gets called from the kitchen, and she places a gentle hand on my shoulder. "We're all so glad to have you back, sweetie. See you Friday."

Once she disappears into the kitchen, I turn toward Christina. "Well, that was easier than I expected."

"You sure about working here, Tris? It's not exactly glamorous, like owning your own business."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, and look how well that turned out for me? I don't really have any other choice. I need to get back on my feet, and if Jo's is my way of doing it, so be it."

"All right." She sighs, pushing up from her seat. "I gotta head back, so bust out that notepad and start taking notes, girlfriend. Oh, and are you still stopping by tomorrow?"

I groan. "Do I have to?"

"Yes! You know how Rose can be. I refuse to let my sister use my house for this dildo party if I don't have any moral support."

I stifle my laughter. "Okay, fine. As long as I don't have to, you know, take any of those things home."

"Those things?" she mocks. "What are you, a virgin? How did you even get pregnant? I will never understand."

With a shake of her head, Christina ties her uniformed apron around her waist and gets back to work. I follow her until she tells me to park my ass down and take notes. She obviously doesn't like the idea of me shadowing her so closely. I sit for a while longer, watching Christina and a few of the other waitresses take orders and bus tables. I try to get a feel for what it'll be like working here. I try to picture myself here in this setting, but I can't. I never thought this is where I would end up—back here in this town, working at Jo's of all places. Back in college, I got a job at a local bookstore, which is worlds different than this.

Maybe the universe is still laughing at me after all.

Later, after I get Luna ready for bed, I cuddle next to her in my old bed. This is the room we've been staying in until the expansion is finished. The stack of books by my feet is growing heavier and heavier with each one I finish. I think this is the seventh one we've gone through tonight, and still, my girl doesn't seem the least bit tired.

"All right, baby girl. It's time for bed now. No more books."

Luna groans. "Ugh. Fine." She turns into me, snuggling into my stomach. I run my fingers through her soft waves, brushing the hair behind her ear.

"Do you have to go back to work, Mommy?"

My chest tightens. "I do. I'm sorry, baby. But hey, at least you'll get to spend a ton of more time with Papa."

That seems to perk her up. "Can we get ice cream and go to the park?"

"Of course you can."

"And what about Tobias?"

I pause. "What about Tobias?"

"Well, can I hang out with Papa and Tobias?"

I trap my bottom lip between my teeth and chew on it anxiously as I contemplate what to say. "I don't know, baby. He works, and he's probably really busy."

"Oh, c'mon, Mommy. Please."

"We'll see."

There's a long beat, and I think she's starting to fall asleep.

"You really like him, don't you?"

"Mhmm," she hums, on the cusp of sleep, and it only makes me hate myself even more.