–

Renee was remarkably calmer and happier once she had a word with my doctor. My lying abilities must have improved vastly, because the doc had swallowed them hook, line, and sinker and was passing the good news along to my mom.

She wrapped one arm around my shoulder as we headed for the car. “Congratulations, hun, you’re down to one appointment a week now. Dr. Turner even thinks we can lower your prescription dose once you finish with your current one.”

Dylan was wheeling a patient from his room. “See ya,” he called as we walked past and I waved, my mom analyzing the brief exchange.

“Want to tell me what that was all about?” she asked, seeing far more than I was comfortable with, but maybe it would be best if she believed I was truly getting over Edward, and Dylan was just the thing to help me do that.

I shrugged, going for aloof, but by the narrowed look in her eyes, I didn’t think she was buying it. “We got close while I was stuck in here.” Again, I shrugged. “I like him. He makes me laugh.” And that was the truth. Aside from Jacob… I cringed as I thought of him and felt a dull ache in the region of my heart, but it wasn’t bad as it usually was. Jacob had been the only person who’d been able to make me laugh and almost enjoy life again. Now, it seemed, Dylan was taking on that role, except I was actually enjoying my time with him. I didn’t want to think about that part too much, because I wasn’t comfortable replacing Edward in any capacity. I guess I still harbored hope that he’d realize what a mistake he’d made and come looking for me, but that was just stupid. The only mistake Edward had ever made was getting involved with me.

I could tell by the way mom’s eyes gleamed, that she approved of anything that got my mind off of Edward and that I wouldn’t have a hard time getting permission to hang out with Dylan.

“Good. I’m glad you’re making an effort to make new friends.” The way she said friends made it clear that she suspected there was more to it than just that.