Chapter 22
SHANE
-Only if we can be honest -I warn him, my voice barely a whisper.
-Honesty is the foundation of any relationship -he replies, his intense gaze never breaking-. I promise not to hide anything. But remember, you asked for total honesty, and that’s what I’ll give you.
A smile forms on my lips. The way he speaks makes me feel that he is truly willing to share his life with me, at least for now, and that is enough to ignite a spark of hope within me.
-So, where do we start? -I ask, taking a step closer.
-Have a date with me tonight. I promise it will be better than the last one. -I suppress a smile.
-I have rules, first.
-Save them for later. What time do you finish work today?
-At 2 p. m., if there are no setbacks.
-Perfect. I’ll pick you up from work…
-No! -I almost shout the word-. Go to my house. -Liam frowns at me, clearly annoyed by something.
-Are you embarrassed that…? -the inches between us are non-existent.
-Ahem, ahem! -a third voice interrupts us. I push Liam away from me forcefully.
Liam’s mother watches us with a small smile that reaches her eyes. I feel my face burning with embarrassment; I wish the floor would open up and swallow me.
-Good morning, Mrs. Rosa. I texted you to let you know I was coming early; I’m sorry if I woke you up.
-Oh, honey, you didn’t. I was showering. I see my Liam has kept you busy. Come, come, let’s talk about the kitchen. I’m very excited.
-Sure. -My cheeks are hot, and I know the redness in them must be quite bright.
-Don’t forget this, little wolf. -I blush when I hear the nickname he has given me, which I like, in front of his mom. I watch him as he hands me the folders he dropped. I can’t possibly be more embarrassed than I already am!
-Th-thank you. -Liam smiles at me, and my heart races.
-You’re welcome. I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be right back. -I close my eyes when I see him walk towards me; fortunately, he understands or sees how uncomfortable I am and simply walks by me. I breathe a sigh of relief, watching him go to his mother-. Good morning, mom. -He kisses Mrs. Rosa on the forehead.
-Good morning, my boy. I didn’t know you were home.
-Dad and I had a few things to do. Hassel is coming in a few days.
-I had forgotten about that. Go take a shower, and then we’ll talk.
-I’ll be right back. -Liam says this last part without looking over his shoulder, so I’m not quite sure to whom he was speaking.
-Come on, honey, let’s get to work. Have you had breakfast? -I follow her into the kitchen, leaving my folders on the table.
-Yes, well, let’s say I tried. I woke up with a bit of an upset stomach today.
-Oh. -She looks over her shoulder at me and does that strange thing Ana did last night; she sniffs the air. I frown because they are the strangest people I have ever met-. I have the solution to that problem! It worked for me for a long time. Take a seat while I prepare you some ginger tea.
I watch her move around the kitchen happily, talking to me about various things that are simultaneously unimportant. I decide it’s time to take out the sketches I made for her. As we focus on talking about the renovation she wants for her kitchen, she prepares the tea and coffee.
-I’m sorry if the coffee smell bothers you.
-Don’t worry. -I can’t say anything, I’m in her house. I check the time on my wristwatch and can’t believe it’s still 30 minutes until the teacher arrives.
-Here, drink this tea. You’ll feel better.
-Thank you. -I start drinking it, taking small sips, and soon I can feel its effects starting to take hold. My stomach, which woke up a bit rebellious today, begins to relax, and what I thought I might throw up doesn’t happen-. It’s very delicious, thank you.
-You’re welcome, dear. I’m glad it’s working. -She continues preparing breakfast-. Can I ask you a question?
“Oh, shit, I knew this was going to happen.”
-Of course.
-I don’t want to sound nosy, but where did you and my son really meet?
I lower my gaze to my tea cup in my hands. Should I tell her the truth? No, that would be too much information. And we’re not in a relationship yet to tell his mother how we met. So I decide to go for a small truth.
-We met a couple of weeks ago in one of my favorite bakeries at the mall when I bumped directly into him. In my defense, I was way too hungry. -Smiling, I remember the moment, averting my eyes from the liquid in my cup.
I hear the sound of Mrs. Rosa’s laughter.
-Tell me he was a gentleman and invited you to eat.
I shake my head, smiling.
-I didn’t give him time for that. I left almost running; I had another commitment, I had to get the birthday cake for Marc.
-Do you have a partner? -The tone of horror doesn’t go unnoticed by me in Mrs. Rosa, who turns to look at me with a worried expression.
-Marc? No, he’s my best friend. We share an apartment. We moved in together a few months ago. His partner, Steven, stays over sometimes.
-Oh, he’s gay. -She pronounces the words with relief. Would Liam think the same?
-He is. And I’m not ashamed of it. -I don’t know why I feel the need to defend him.
-Don’t get me wrong, dear. I have no prejudices against gay people. I just don’t want any problems. -I can read between the lines of what she wants to say.
-I’m single; you don’t have to worry about that. -She smiles at me; women understand each other.
-I’m glad. I like you a lot.
Okay, wow. I didn’t expect that. The woman is practically singing with happiness. What am I missing here?
-Is everything alright here? -Liam’s voice interrupts us. When I turn to see him, I notice that Mr. Alec is coming with him.