Secret Liaisons by Shelia M. Goss

him. I thought I could never experience happiness again. William’s been there with me every step of the way. We didn’t set out to fall in love, it just happened.”
    Terrance could see the sincerity in his mom’s eyes. He didn’t want to argue with her. Like Mona said, his mother was grown. She really didn’t need his permission.
    â€œBut don’t you think it’s kind of weird to be with your husband’s friend?”
    Sara laughed. “Yes. But your dad’s no longer here. I’m free to date who I please.”
    â€œPlease spare me the details. If you want to marry him, I won’t stand in your way.”
    Sara hugged Terrance. “Thank you, baby. I knew you would come around.”
    â€œDon’t thank me. You should be thanking Mona. She helped me realize you deserved a second chance of happiness.”
    â€œI guess she’s not all bad.”
    â€œNo, mom. She’s not bad at all.”
    Terrance hugged his mom again. “Love you.”
    â€œLove you too,” Sara said, as she squeezed Terrance tight.

Chapter Twenty-Four
    Three hours later, Mona was sitting on her couch in her apartment. After they left Terrance’s mom’s place, she’d decided to go home instead of hang out with Terrance. She needed time alone to think about a lot of things. She’d explained to Terrance that she needed to do some things to get ready for the coming week.
    She wasn’t hungry but wanted some banana fudge ice cream. She threw on a jogging suit and drove to the corner store.
    She was in the process of getting back in her car when she heard someone call her name.
    â€œMona, is that you?” a familiar male voice said.
    â€œGarrett?” Mona couldn’t believe that the man who broke her heart so many years ago was standing right in front of her.
    â€œI’m so glad I ran into you. There’s so much I need to tell you. Can I get your number so I can call you later?”
    â€œI think you said it all nine years ago.” Mona didn’t wait for him to respond. She jumped in her car and sped away.
    She saw Garrett running behind the car in her rearview mirror. How dare he think she would want to speak to him after he broke her heart? She thought back nine years prior. He didn’t have the courage to break up with her himself, instead he had his mom do it. Emotions from the past resurfaced.
    Hours later, Mona tossed and turned in her bed as she dreamed of Garrett and relived the break up over and over. She woke up the next morning feeling as if she hadn’t slept in days. She noticed she had several missed calls from Terrance.
    Mona glanced at her puffy eyes in the mirror. She slipped on a pair of sunglasses and headed to work.
    Terrance didn’t sleep well the night before. He kept dreaming about his father. He wished Mona had stayed and spent the night. His mom called him right before he got to the office but he decided he wouldn’t talk to her until after his meeting with the network executives. He blocked out his personal issues and concentrated fully on the job.
    He heard a buzz sound indicating someone was coming through the door. He yelled out, “Mona, is that you?”
    â€œYes, boss, it’s me,” she responded.
    He perked up at the sound of her voice. He got up from his desk and went to greet her.
    She placed her purse and keys on her desk. She looked at him. “You’re here bright and early.”
    â€œToday is the day or have you forgotten?” Terrance asked.
    â€œOf course not.” Mona took a seat behind her desk.
    â€œOh, I don’t get a kiss or at least a hug,” Terrance teased.
    Mona put a finger out in front of her and moved it from one side to the other. “Not in the office.”
    Terrance pouted. “Just one little peck. Please.”
    â€œI’m only doing this because you have that meeting.” Mona left from behind her desk and placed her arms around