Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 34

Chapter 26-1

Chapter 26-1

(Sabrina’s POV)

I’m surprised. “How do you know so much about art?”

+25 Points

“My mother was a painter.” There’s something in his voice-grief mixed with love. “She taught me to see the world through an artist’s eyes. To appreciate not just what’s beautiful, but why it’s

beautiful.”

I remember him telling me she passed away when he was young. I can’t imagine Jake growing up

without me.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. She lived fully while she was here. Created constantly. Loved fiercely.” He smiles, but it’s tinged with sadness.

We move through the gallery slowly, stopping at each painting. Jason shares stories about different techniques and styles, while I point out the emotional resonance of certain pieces. It’s easy and comfortable and feels more intimate than it should.

When we reach the back of the gallery, I stop dead.

There, hanging in a place of honor, is a painting I’d recognize anywhere.

Evelyn, my adopted mother’s “Coastal Memory.”

The famous unfinished piece that every art student studies. The one with the mysterious water damage in the corner that’s been the subject of countless debates and theories.

I step closer, my breath catching.

“You know this one?” Jason asks, his voice strange.

“Everyone knows this one. It’s Evelyn Hale’s final painting,” I reach out without thinking, my fingers hovering just inches from the canvas. Coastal Memory.

How is it here? It’s not even in museums. And from the water damage at the bottom, I know this is the original.

But again, how did it get here?

Evelyn said she lost the original.

“You seem to admire Evelyn. Did you know her personally?”

OG

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<Chapter 26-1

+25 Points

I turn to Jason, surprised to find him staring at me with an expression I can’t read. Intense and raw –

and something close to scrutiny.

I withdraw my hand from the painting, asking self-consciously, “Is it that obvious?”

“What? That you know her?”

“No, that I admire her.”

His expression stills, and I don’t know what he’s thinking about as he stares at me for a moment without saying anything. “Too obvious. Almost to the point where-”

“Sabrina Moore?”

We look at the door. A middle-aged woman with a camera is approaching us, her expression/ friendly but excited.

“I thought that was you! My daughter follows your son’s account. She’s going to be so excited that I ran into you!” She’s already lifting her camera. “Can I get a picture? She’ll never believe me

otherwise.”

“I-what?”

“You’re Jake’s mom, right? The one looking for a new dad?” She beams at Jason. “And this must be the lucky guy! You two are even cuter in person!”

Wait? What?

What new dad? And what does she mean we look even cuter in person?

I give Jason a confused glance, but he’s not looking at me, his jaw clenched tight as he stares at the woman. Is it mean, or does he look like he wants to beat her up? “I’m sorry. I don’t think I follow what you mean.”

“Your son’s videos? About finding you a new boyfriend? They’re all over TikTok! My daughter’s been following the whole story. She thinks you two are adorable.”

The woman is still talking, but I’m not listening anymore. I pull out my phone with shaking hands and open Jake’s account.

The most recent video was posted last night. It shows me and Jason at dinner. Dancing. Kissing.

Oh God.

Our kissing video is going viral on social media?

I immediately feel wuzzy, a bad feeling welling up in my belly.

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