UNSHAKABLE (Able Series Book 4) by Gigi Aceves

walks toward me and runs her fingers alongside my black and blue bruise decorating my back.
    “Mom, relax. Mark and I have been trying different lifts for the recital, and I’ve fallen one too many times. You know that’s just part of dancing. I’m fine.” I give her a one arm hug to appease her before she quarantines me to my room and throws away the key.
    She moves toward the door but stops before opening it. “I know what you’re doing. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve been in love before, but this . . .” She stops then lets out sigh. “ . . . this isn’t right, and you know it. If you guys don’t fit in each other’s lives, don’t push it, Sophia.”
    I pull my sleep tank off, quickly put on my sports bra, and a loose racer back tank. “You think I’m pushing it, Mom? It’s the opposite. It’s our first major recital, and I just want everything to be perfect. That’s all there is to my-running-my-body into-the-ground deal you’re talking about.” I raise my brow at her to put a rest to her train of thought.
    “Alright, I guess I can accept that excuse.” She sits on my bed, crosses her legs, and folds her hands over her lap. “So, how was the date? I’ve been busy lately; we haven’t talked about that.”
    I plop down next to her. “It went okay. But, there’s no umph. . . . no spark, ya know? Oh well, I know I have to kiss a lot of frogs before I get my prince, I guess I’m going to have to mingle some more.”
    Soft hands now cradle my face, and they’re matched with so much love in her express. It’s a look that only a mother can perfect. “I’m glad you’re not brooding about him. Besides, being with someone like him is hard. This life . . .” She stops, allowing her eyes to convey a silent message, a message of understanding. “ . . . the life of service your dad wanted took a lot from me. Your dad’s time, my own freedom, and my personal choices regarding the needs and wants of our family are all gone. I guess what I’m saying is it takes a lot of maturity to understand a life of service. His time isn’t his, Sophia, and it certainly isn’t yours.”
    I shrug my shoulders in indifference. “It’s all water under the bridge, Mom. I’m good. Don’t worry about me so much.”
    “Are you sure?”
    I give her a deadpan look. “Geez! You make it sound like I’m gonna fall apart without him. Like I told Darcee, it’s hard, sure. But I can manage. Remember you once told me and I quote, ‘Regret is one of the hardest emotion to overcome so if you don’t want to ever feel it, give a hundred and ten percent all the time’. Well, I don’t have any regrets with what I felt for Damien. I made it known, and I’m not ashamed of it. I was completely honest, sometimes brutally frank about it. And for what it’s worth, we had our good and happy moments, and I’m okay with that. I’m okay with my memory of him. I got this.”
    She raises her hand in surrender. “Okay, okay, I’m just making sure my only child is fine. Kidding aside, sweetheart, I’m glad you have a good outlook about this. I’m glad you’re seeing the positive more than the hurt.”
    I pull her into an embrace. “Mom, it’s accepting that hurt that brings understanding. Like I said, there’s nothing to worry about.”
    I release my hold on her and reach for my coffee while hoping that her interrogation is over.
    “So, what’s your agenda for today?”
    “Um, practice which should last until my lunch date with Darcee. Ugh, I know it’ll give me a headache since we’re going to talk about expense reports and then back here. Why?”
    “Perfect! I want us to have a family dinner. We haven’t had one in a while. Any special request?”
    “Nah.”
    “Want to invite Senator Bradley’s son?” She smiles and winks at me.
    I push her toward the door. “Go! Enough! Do what First ladies do and stop meddling with my love life!”
    My mom’s giggles are infectious and the smile on my face is evidence of