Lost Me Gained Regret



I sauntered back home, casually steering the conversation towards Raleigh through chatting about Christine and Merritt. I wanted to subtly probe my mom's current sentiments towards him.

My mom caught on quickly, "So, you want me to give Raleigh a little nudge, help him out as the younger generation?"

"Is Christine serious about him? Has she completely broken it off with Dailey?"

Despite her age, my mom was surprisingly up-to-date with the latest gossip.

I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head. "Not exactly, and I'm not sure."

I shifted the topic, "Gregory and I were thinking, why not keep the wedding low-key like our engagement? Just close friends and family, what do you think?"

She nodded in agreement, "It's your wedding. Whatever you want, I'm on board."

"Can we invite Mr. Shaw? I remember you two collaborated on a single, really sweet, perfect for a wedding."

My mom, having navigated the tricky waters of showbiz for years, initially thought our chat was just heart-to-heart. But as soon as I mentioned Raleigh, she got the hint.

"So, after asking about whether I have someone I like, you bring up Raleigh. Trying to play matchmaker?"

I cleared my throat, "Not exactly. Just thought, since he was there for you at that party, and since there's a bit of a bond, why not invite him? Could be lucky for his love life."

Raleigh was a rare breed in the industry-single, clean reputation despite numerous rumors, a real catch that many women tried to get close to. "So, you're looking to set him up?"

My mom playfully tapped my forehead, "Alright then, invite him."

"I'll see if I can find someone age-appropriate to liven things up for you."

"Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

That wasn't my intention, but I knew my mom was just playing dumb to skirt around the issue.

I laughed, "Mom, how about you and Mr. Shaw recreate that iconic dance from your movie at my wedding? It'd be a highlight." Outsmarting the trickster.

My mom's smile vanished, raising an eyebrow, "Oh, so you're trying to outsmart me?"

I linked my arm through hers, "Just tell me the truth, okay? Do you like him?"

My mom sighed, "Would you believe me if I said no?"

I immediately responded, "Of course,

I'll believe whatever you say. If youet

say you don't like him, I'll drop the matchmaking."

"Bella," my mom chuckled in resignation, "you clearly don't believe that."

I insisted, "Really, just say the word, and I'll believe you. If you're not into him, I'll stop."

After a moment, she spoke slowly, "Sometimes, I think we're better off as friends. Becoming lovers, if we don't mesh well, could end decades of friendship, which would be a shame."

I was surprised, "You and Mr. Shaw said the same thing. Seems like he understands you pretty well."

"Enough," my mom surrendered. "You're determined. Invite him to your wedding, you arrange it, and I'll go along."

"Seeing is believing, right? If it doesn't work out, we'll drop it, deal?"

I extended my hand in promise, "Deal."

Later that night, after feeding the baby, I shared the news with

Gregory. He casually dried his

hair

and settled on the sofa, stretching an arm to pull me close.

"Happy?"