Hope stiffens and stares at me with wide eyes.
I clench my jaw as tension gathers beneath the surface.
Before I can say anything, my mother stands in the hallway. She looks stunning in a pastel pink dress paired with pearl jewelry and white shoes. Her face brightens up when she sees me — a glow that makes her look fuller and younger, so opposite than the version that came here a week ago and almost gave me a heart attack. A megawatt smile appears on her lips as she closes the long distance with hurried steps and engulfs me in a hug.
“You’re home,” she whispers underneath her breath.
She is always delighted to find me home. And I always find it strange.
“Yes,” I put my hand on her back and pat. The action is full of awkwardness.
Fortunately, she takes the hint and lets go of me rather quickly.
It takes me a second to figure out why.
“Hope, dear.” She wraps her arms around my girlfriend and hugs her tightly.
Panicked brown eyes find me and I give her hand a squeeze to let her know that it’s okay.
I don’t know my mother well, but I know she won’t jeopardize it. She knows the consequences will be dire. Because this is huge. I’m letting her meet the person who’s the most important to me. The person I’m helplessly in love with. The person who’smy girl.
If she hurts Rose, we’re done forever.
“It’s so nice to see you again.” Mom smiles.
“Uh, you too,” Hope replies shyly.
“I had no idea that you’re dating my son.”
Hope pales further. “I…yes…I…uh… forgot.”
I cough to hide my laugh. She’s adorable when she is like this.
“You forgot?” Mom teases her.
In return, Hope squeezes my hand so hard I feel like she’ll break my bones. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I wasn’t sure — I’m sorry?—”
“Oh my, you don’t need to apologise. I don’t mind.” Mom touches her shoulder to reassure her. “I’m sure you had your reasons. I understand.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologise.” She gives her a knowing smile.
Hope nods.
“Now, are you hungry? I made lunch.”
“I’m not hungry.”
She is hungry but she won’t admit it to my mother.
I weigh my options, whether to have lunch with my mother or not. The way she’s watching us with a dazzling smile, I know she is dying to know all the details. She assured me that she’d be careful but I feel like the excitement will make her curious and she’d probe us with questions.
And I don’t want to make Hope uncomfortable.
“We’ll be in my room,” I say and give her hand a squeeze. Hope visibly relaxes beside me.
Mom looks gloomy but muster up a smile. “If you need anything let me know.”
