My phone rings.
**Phone call**
“Tell me,” I answer.
“Mr. Gray, a lady named Caroline Forbes wishes to speak with you and claims it’s urgent,” my secretary informs me, and I frown. “She states she’s Nina Moore’s mother and that it’s extremely important,” she notes. My eyes widen as I run my fingers through my hair.
“Sure, uh, tell her I’ll be available to talk in fifteen minutes,” I reply before hanging up.
**End Phone Call**
I tug at my hair and begin dialing Nina’s number. Just then, Niall enters my office with a grin.
**Phone call**
“Hi, Daddy,” Nina greets me, and I motion for Niall to take a seat.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I respond.
“What’s up? You seem really stressed,” she chuckles. I exhale and tug at my hair.
“Can you tell me your mother’s name?” I ask, and there’s a pause.
“Caroline Forbes. Forbes is her maiden name; before she was Moore,” she whispers, sounding confused. I curse under my breath. “Why do you want to know?”
“Oh, just curious,” I reply with a chuckle.
“O… kay?” she answers hesitantly, which makes her laugh.
“Alright, I’ll see you later,” I say.
“Okay, I love you,” she whispers before I hang up.
**End Phone Call**
I lock eyes with Niall while gnawing on my knuckles, and he chuckles.
“You’re about to meet your mother-in-law for the first time,” he says. I raise my middle finger at him, and he grins.
I stand and pour myself a glass of whiskey from a bottle on a small table.
“Look, man, Nina adores you, and she needs to understand that. Plus, with how self-conscious she is, I can’t picture her having a nutty mom,” he shrugs.
“Imagine discovering that your daughter is with a guy much older than you. What would be your first response?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. Niall sighs and nods.
“I’d want to chop off his balls,” he admits.
“And her mom is aware of our physical relationship,” I mention, while Niall rubs his nose in concern.
Suddenly, three knocks at the door divert my attention, heightening my anticipation.
“Best of luck. I’ve got to head home; I think Clarissa is taking Logan,” Niall says cheerfully while heading for the door. He opens it, revealing a slender, blonde woman with blue eyes who looks oddly familiar. Niall steps aside politely and raises his furrowed brows, having recognized her too.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Gray,” Nina’s mother whispers. “I apologize for intruding on your time.”
“Please relax,” I reply, trying to ease her nerves, “and tell me how I can assist you?” I ask, placing my hands together over my stomach.
“Well, Mr. Gray-”
“Just call me Alex,” I cut in, and she nods, looking down. “By the way, it’s nice to finally meet you…”
“Alex,” she resumes. I raise my eyebrows. “I’m aware of your relationship with my daughter,” she states bluntly, making me gulp, “and I wish to discuss your intentions.”
“Caroline… may I call you that?” I ask, seeking consent, and she nods. “I want to clarify that I love your daughter,” I say earnestly. “I care deeply for her, and as far as I know, she feels the same. My intentions mirror those any loving man has for his girlfriend.” I shrug.
“Actually, that’s not why I’m here,” she murmurs, and I frown. “Listen, Alex, I’m not opposed to your relationship. Quite the opposite,” she claims, which raises my skepticism.
“I understand that my daughter loves you, and it appears the feelings are mutual. However, “I’m not interested in the details of your sex life with my daughter.” she clarifies again, as I frown deeper.
“I acknowledge that you both are in a relationship,” she adds, and I look down, feeling uncomfortable.
“I used to be a teenager, too. Besides, she is legally able to do what she wants, and I expect you both know the risks-just use protection,” she says matter-of-factly.
Wow. What a uniquely straightforward mother.
“If you’re not here to threaten me or take legal action… why are you here?”
I joke lightly, and she gives a small laugh.
“I have to say, this is easier than I anticipated,” she chuckles. “Alex, do you truly love my daughter?” she suddenly asks.
She has no idea how profoundly I love her.
“Yes, I do,” I reply, and she nods.
“What are you willing to do for her happiness?” she challenges, catching me off guard.
“Anything in my power,” I assure her, and she nods, seemingly gathering her thoughts for something more.
“I need Nina to live in your home for the time being,” she states without meeting my gaze. I frown, puzzled.
“Mrs. Forbes, I know this may sound odd,” I say cautiously. “Living with Nina for a few days sounds ideal, but are you sure about this?” I question, and she nods with conviction. I pout, trying to wrap my head around the sudden request.
“Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable, I can make other arrangements.”
“Oh, no!” I exclaim. “You can trust me to take good care of her…”
“It’s just not what you’d expect a girlfriend’s mom to say on the first day you meet,” I joke, and she casually shrugs.
“Could I ask why?” I inquire, sensing it may be tied to her earlier family issues.
“Family troubles,” she states simply, and I notice the difficulty she has sharing this.
I nod. “I promise I won’t take long. I trust you, and I know you’ll take good care of Nina,” she whispers as her voice trembles. I can tell she’s finding it hard to express herself. “If I fail to reach her, her father undoubtedly will.”
This revelation leaves me confused. For the time I’ve dated Nina, we’ve only spoken about her father once or twice, but based on this revelation, it seems he’s very much alive.
“Is her father alive?” I ask in disbelief, and Caroline’s hypocritical smile confirms my suspicions.
“I really must go,” she says, standing up.
“Wait! Nina needs to know this,” I insist, but she shakes her head firmly.
“I already explained that her father will come for her if I’m unable to be there. There’s no need for Nina to be aware of him right now!” she exclaims, exasperated. I frown, feeling the tension.
“Why keep it from her?” I question, and she shakes her head.
“Alex, I’m trusting you with this information. Please don’t jeopardize it,” she warns, her anger evident. I blink rapidly and nod in understanding.
She glances at me, lets out a sigh, and says softly, “And do take care of my daughter, please.” I affirm with a nod, and she embraces me.
“It’s amusing that I say this, but you can call me Mom if you like,” she chuckles, and I afford her a light laugh in return.
“That probably won’t happen,” I reply humorlessly, and she beams at me with a genuine smile.
“Of all the ways I envisioned my daughter’s first boyfriend, I never imagined anyone like you,” she admits. “But the heart desires what it wants,” she shrugs, and I nod in acknowledgment.
I have so many questions swirling through my mind. Why does she want to hide Nina’s father from her?
Why not let her know?
Nina deserves to understand who her father is and for him to ask for forgiveness for the pain he caused her.
Yet, I can’t afford to lose Caroline’s trust, especially not with my intentions for Nina.
“Could I know why you don’t want Nina to see her father?” I whisper, and she raises her eyebrows in surprise.
“I’m just saying, in one way or another, I need to protect her, right?” I probe further, and she slightly nods.
“Her father has never truly wanted to be part of Nina’s life. During her childhood, he only went out drinking with friends,” she responds, bitterness in her tone.
“He hurt us repeatedly, and I want to keep those memories from resurfacing for Nina, especially after all I’ve worked to help her forget,” she explains while shaking her head. I lower my gaze in understanding. “But as I mentioned, if protecting her ultimately means relying on her father, I’ll have to comply.
“Nina holds fond memories of her father,” I murmur, uncertain, and Caroline looks at me intently.
“Paris?” she prompts, and I nod hesitantly. “Nina only remembers those moments because I lied to her about her father-so she wouldn’t have to carry resentment and bitterness throughout her life,” she shrugs, exhaustion evident in her voice.
She exhales, rising from her seat. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Alex,” she says, extending her hand. I offer a strained smile as I take it.
“Likewise, Caroline,” I murmur back, and she gives me a faint smile.
I escort her to the door and bid her goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. Doubts arise once more.
“Caroline,” I call out, catching her attention. “What if Nina’s father finds her?”
I ask in a whisper, and she sighs deeply.
“If that occurs, you’ll have your answer. But he doesn’t even recall having a daughter,” she shrugs as she departs my office.
Once the door closes, I frown.
Something about all of this feels exceedingly off.