"What the fuck?" Simon's muffled voice came from under the cotton material.
I didn't have time to explain before my mom's small form came barraging into my apartment, her arms laden with glass containers.
"Sofia, why you not answer your phone?" My mom demanded.
I subtly moved to stand in front of a confused Simon, who was still covered in my sheet. "Err, Mom, now's not a good time."
My mom stopped short, her eyes moving to the figure behind me.
My cheeks heated as my mom's face pinched in disapproval. I may be twenty-seven years old and an independent woman, but I still withered under my mom's disapproving glare.
She was a devout Catholic and very conservative. For her to see a strange, half-naked male in her daughter's house so early in the morning was enough to make me sweat.
"O ai lenei tama?" Who is this boy?
I turned to Simon, who had pulled the sheet off his head and was watching me in amusement.
I swallowed down my embarrassment."Le tausoga o Barron." He's Barron's cousin.
And just like that, my mom's face cleared, and a broad smile creased the corner of her eyes. "Oh! You are Simon," she exclaimed.
She strode forward, dumping her containers in my arms with a hurried flourish.
I looked on in disbelief as Simon gave my mom a charming smile. "And you must be Sofia's lovely mom." He picked up Brian's shirt and slipped it on before rising to greet her.
I had to give him props for showing her respect. "I must say, I loved your Chop Suey, Mrs. MacDonald. I had to go back for seconds."
My mom flushed under the compliment. "Oh, you are a sweet boy."
My mouth dropped.Well. Whether you're twenty-eight or sixty-eight, Simon apparently knew how to charm everyone.
Well, except for me, of course.
"Sorry for my appearance. I had a...celebratory drink last night and overindulged. I didn't want to wake Barron and Eden. Luckily, Sofia was there with a...friend," Simon's deliberate hesitation over that word irked me.
He sent me a look laced with false innocence, daring me to correct him in front of my mom. "Your daughter kindly offered me her couch for the night."
As annoyed as I was with him, he was definitely saving me from an uncomfortable explanation.
"Oh, Sofia is a good girl," my mom proudly announced.
"Yes, and so hospitable. She even offered to make me a coffee before you arrived."
"Which you declined because you had to leave," I said between gritted teeth. Two could play at this game.
Simon sent me a sly smile. "Well, now, what's the rush? Since your mom's here, I can spare a few extra minutes."
My mom nodded as she moved towards the kitchen. "I'll make the coffee. Sofia, show him where to freshen up."
"Why thank you, Mrs. MacDonald."
I breathed deeply and slowly through my nose as Simon fixed me with a bright smile. "Sofia, darlin', lead the way."
"Sofia, don't forget the towels."
I sputtered at my mom's command. "But Mom -"
"Yeah, Sof. Show me the towels."
