Chapter 44
SHANE
-I know you know who Shane is… let’s just go inside. -Rosa frowns, but nonetheless we all step in, making our way to the living room where Liam’s father is in his wheelchair. Gigit greets Mr. Alec before taking a seat with a huge smile. -Mom, Dad, I want to introduce you to Shane, my girlfriend. -The words flow from her lips like a serene river, but they are a torrent within me.
Her mother’s face lights up with surprise and joy. Her eyes widen, and for a moment it seems like she struggles to process the information.
-Official girlfriend? -she asks, trying to contain her emotion-. Oh, Liam! This is wonderful. Welcome, Shane!
-Thank you, Mrs. Rosa. It’s a pleasure… wow, this is so strange. -I reply, feeling a little calmer as she hugs me.
-Don’t worry, dear. I know what you mean -she winks at me-: now you are not just my designer but also my son’s girlfriend.
Beside her, Liam’s father, Alec, watches the scene with a serene expression. He nods to his wife’s words and then approaches me, extending his hand.
-Nice to finally meet you the right way, Shane. -His eyes shine with a wisdom that can only come from experience. He greets me with a firm handshake, and I feel that his approval is genuine.
-Thank you, Mr. Alec. I’m happy to be here -I say, feeling like I’ve taken a step further into Liam’s life.
However, amid the joy, Alec turns to Liam.
-Liam, can I talk to you in private for a moment?
Liam nods, then turns to me, leaving his hand on my shoulder for a moment.
-Are you okay here with Mom and Gigit? -he asks, and although my mind is full of curiosity, all I can do is nod, even if I feel slightly unsure.
-Sure. -I smile at him, and he leaves with his father toward somewhere in the house.
Rosa, Gigit, and I settle into the living room. Mrs. Rosa can’t hide her happiness, and her smile is contagious.
-I can’t believe my son has finally found someone so special -she says as she sits in an armchair, looking at me with eyes full of emotions.
-He’s an incredible man -I reply, recalling every moment we’ve shared together.
-And he’s been so focused on his work that I thought he would never settle down. What a joy to see you by his side! -her eyes shine with pride-. Can I finally ask how you two met?
Gigit, with her characteristic energy, joins the conversation.
-It was an unexpected encounter at a mall -she reminds me, as if sharing a secret, her laughter filling the air-. But since then it’s been pure chemistry.
-So it was at a mall.
-That’s right. -I confirm.
-I love to hear about that chemistry! -Rosa replies enthusiastically-. Never underestimate chemistry, Shane. It’s what keeps the passion alive.
As our conversation progresses, Rosa’s happiness becomes evident and contagious. I can’t help but feel like part of something big and beautiful.
I hear Liam and Alec’s voices coming from somewhere in the house, and something in their tones suggests they are discussing something serious. Meanwhile, I continue sharing laughter and anecdotes with Rosa and Gigit, feeling increasingly comfortable in this family setting.
-It’s wonderful to have you here, Shane. -Rosa says, taking my hand in hers-. I’ll be here to support you with whatever you need. God, let Liliana find out.
-Liliana? -I ask, feeling a rush of excitement.
-Our youngest daughter, hasn’t she told you about her?
-I don’t think so.
-Don’t worry, she’ll be here next week. She’s going to love you.
-I’d love to meet her. -Now I’m nervous about meeting another member of their family-: Can I see how the kitchen renovation is coming along?
-Oh, of course. -I get up and follow her to the kitchen, while Gigit disappears in the direction Liam and Alec went, leaving us alone.
The kitchen is turning out wonderfully and is exactly how I had designed it.
-I’m happy with the results I’m seeing. I hope they finish soon.
-I’ll contact the contractor, don’t worry. You’ll be able to use your new kitchen soon.
The warmth of her welcome makes me feel secure, as if all the anxiety I felt before is slowly fading. I just hope that when Liam returns, all this excitement translates into more than just a discussion. I want to be part of his world; I want to leave a mark on his life as he has on mine.
After a few minutes, Liam, Alec, and Gigit return, and I can see the satisfaction on his father’s face. The atmosphere has subtly changed; there’s a new sparkle in Liam’s eyes that makes me smile.
-Ready for lunch? -Rosa asks, and we all nod, allowing a kind of familial rhythm to fill the room.
Lunch becomes a meal of celebrations, not only for the arrival of a new member to the family but also for the new promises the future may bring. The connection between Liam and me feels stronger than ever, and in that moment, amidst laughter and anecdotes, I feel that maybe, just maybe, this could be the beginning of something.
When we finish lunch, the conversation flows effortlessly. Stories of Liam’s childhood, Gigit’s adventures, and Rosa’s mischievous occurrences fill the air with laughter. However, beneath the cheerful surface, there’s a small unease bubbling within me.
Alec adjusts himself in his chair, interacting with his family, and the way he watches Liam and me makes me feel like he is evaluating something. Perhaps it’s the need to protect his only son. Or maybe he simply wants to ensure that Liam has found what truly makes him happy.