“She’s still hung up on her guy. But I think she’s considering moving out of Boston.”
“Change can be good.”
“Yeah. Okay, let me finish getting dressed. I’ll be right out.”
“Sure, but first …” He grabbed me around the waist, pulling me to him. He first nibbled at my bottom lip, using my gasp to give his tongue entrance. My arms ended up around his neck. We kissed for what felt like forever, and still not long enough.
“Good thing you hadn’t put on your lipstick just yet.”
I grinned. “I don’t know, I think you’d look pretty good with myRuby Woored lipstick smeared all over your lips.”
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” He released me, taking a step back to allow me to pass by to finish getting dressed.
I decided on a sheer, sleeveless top and my long, light grey cardigan that stopped just above the floor in the four-inch heels I chose to wear. It was getting close to early October, and the fall weather was breaking here in Williamsport. I applied my favorite nude lipstick and grabbed the overnight bag I packed earlier since I was staying at Eric’s place tonight.
“All set?” he asked when I rounded the corner.
“Ready, Freddie!”
He stopped, hand on the doorknob, looking at me crazy.
“What? It’s a saying. Let’s go, we don’t want to be too late. Your mother already hates me,” I joked.
Eric didn’t like my joke much if the frown that marred his face was anything to go by.
“I’m kidding.”
“Yeah,” he tutted, opening the door.
Forty-five minutes later, we were pulling up to the home of his parents. Though I was hesitant, I knew whatever the issue was Mrs. Kim had with me it wouldn’t be resolved by my refusing ever to see the woman again. Eric assured me that it wasn’t my fault, or rather that his mother’s issue wasn’t personal, but something all her own. He said they had a good talk over breakfast a few weeks back. I certainly wasn’t about to be the wedge standing between Eric having a good relationship with his family, so it was an easy choice to make when his mother called. But that didn’t mean I didn’t have my doubts.
“Come in.” Eric’s mother waved us in, once we rang the bell. Her demeanor was more affable than last time.
“How’re you, Ma?” Eric asked, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
“I’m well. Hi, Angela, how are you?”
“I’m well, Mrs. Kim. Thank you for inviting us again.”
“You’re welcome. And what do you have there?” She tipped her head to the plate in my hands.
“I didn’t want to step on your toes again, but Eric said you like these ginger cookies, so I made some.”
She hesitated, but then said, “Thank you.”
Her eyes moved to Eric and then back to me. “Will you follow me and we can set them in the kitchen?”
I briefly peered over at Eric, noting the surprise and then doubtful expression, before I followed, placing a hand on his wrist when he tried to follow.
“Eric, your father’s in the dining room. He’s expecting you,” Mrs. Kim called.
He hesitated, but I urged him with a nudge of the shoulder, and after a pause, he finally moved in the opposite direction toward the living room.
“You can set those right on the counter.” Mrs. Kim pointed, and I did as requested. “I wanted to talk to you alone, before dinner,” she said, stating what I already guessed.
I remained quiet, waiting for her to make her peace.
“I know Eric told you that he and I spoke.”
