She smiles, unbothered by my reply. “Well, I’m asking Hope.”
Hope snorts, drawing my attention back to her.
We make eye contact.
You don’t have to tell her anything if you don’t want to.
I don’t mind if you don’t.
I sigh and give her nod, letting her decide whatever she wants to share with my obnoxious mother.
“We went to an aquarium,” My girlfriend says with pride.
Mom grins, staring at her starry-eyed. “How was it? What did you see? Tell me everything.”
Rose talks excitedly about our date, I sit and listen, absorbing every word. The joy in her voice fills me with quiet pride,reassuring me that I did well. Giving her the best first romantic date was exactly what I wanted.
Fuck. I can’t believe it.
Love and feelings were something I never thought would happen to me.
But it took one girl to change everything.
I don’t just want her.
I need her.
I’ve fallen hard for her.
And it’s not just that I’ve lost my head. I’ve also lost my control and senses.
Only she matters to me.
Turning my head, I watch my mother in detail, studying how she absorbs everything that Rose tells her. She looks genuinely happy that we’re together and had a perfect date.
The weight in my chest shifts a little, making it easier to breathe. The hate and resentment I possess for her morphs into ashes by some small portion.
Seeing her care for the person that I care the most about makes me hate her a little less.
“When are you going on the second date?” Mom asks.
Rose blushes and looks over at me. “Um…”
“Soon,” I answer for her.
Mom nods and I notice there’s a glimmer in her eyes. “So, the reason why I asked you two to come downstairs is — ”
Hope stiffens beside me.
I shoot my mother a look to not continue. But of course she does.
“—of the position I found you guys in.”
I close my eyes, knowing an embarrassing conversation is heading my way.
“I certainly didn’t hope to see you like this,” she mutters, but since it’s quiet in the room, we hear her perfectly.
“We weren’t doing anything!” Rose blurts out.
