My gaze shifts past Olivia to see her mother standing in the doorway, a forced smile plastered across her face. Olivia stiffens against me, her grip faltering. I slide my hand to her waist, anchoring her to me as I meet her mother’s gaze, my own expression cool and unreadable.
This should be interesting.
Claudia Bennett’s smile widens as she steps closer, her eyes flicking over me with barely concealed interest. It isn’t just the polite curiosity of a mother meeting her daughter’s boyfriend for the first time—it’s calculating, assessing.
“Well, don’t just stand in the doorway,” she chirps. “Come in, come in.”
I feel Olivia hesitate, her body tensing, bracing for something unpleasant. I press my hand gently against the small of her back,guiding her forward as I step inside, letting the door swing shut behind me.
The interior of the house is as modest as I expected.
The furniture is worn, the walls adorned with a mismatched array of family photos and cheap artwork. It isn’t unpleasant, but it lacks warmth—the kind of home you live in out of necessity, not love.
Claudia leads us into the living room, her movements brisk but tinged with a sort of performative grace. I can feel her glances, quick and assessing, lingering on the cut of my coat, the watch on my wrist.
“And who might you be?” she asks, her tone light but probing as she turns to face me fully.
I offer a polite smile, my hand still resting protectively on Olivia’s back. “Nathaniel Caldwell,” I say, extending a hand. “Olivia’s boyfriend.”
Her grip is firm, her smile widening just enough to show she’s pleased with what she sees.
“Boyfriend,” she repeats. “Interesting. Olivia hasn’t mentioned you.”
I don’t miss the way Olivia’s shoulders slump at the comment, and I squeeze her hand in reassurance. “She’s private about the things that matter,” I say calmly. “I like that about her.”
Claudia crosses her arms, chin lifting a fraction. “So. What brings you here—unannounced?”
I glance at Olivia, who’s watching the exchange with thinly veiled anxiety.
I keep my tone polite, even warm. “Olivia insisted on making the trip alone, but since she met my family over winter break, I thought it was only right to return the courtesy.” I pause, letting my gaze return to Claudia. “And, of course, I missed her far too much to bear the thought of a week apart.”
Claudia’s smile falters for the briefest second before settling into something brighter, almost giddy. Her cheeks flush slightly, and I know she’s already drawing conclusions.
“Well, aren’t you sweet,” she says, her voice lilting with something resembling approval.
My attention turns to Olivia, taking in the dark circles under her eyes, the stiffness in her posture, the slight tilt of her body that screams exhaustion. I can see the toll the night has taken. Sleeping on that decrepit couch, likely barely padded and years past its prime, has left her looking frayed at the edges.
I look down at Olivia. “You didn’t sleep well,” I say softly.
She glances up at me, her eyes half-lidded with fatigue. “I’m fine.”
She isn’t. And her parents did this. Reduced her to this worn-out version of herself. It burns beneath my skin, the anger simmering low but steady.
I turn back to Claudia, who’s watching us with barely concealed scrutiny.
“Olivia is exhausted,” I say, my tone cooling, “I was surprised to find her sleeping on the couch when we spoke last night. Surely there must be a better arrangement for her. This is her home, after all.”
Claudia blinks, her expression faltering for the briefest moment before she recovers. “Oh, well, the boys are at that age where they need their own space, and Olivia’s off at Halford most of the year! And when she graduates, she’ll get some high-paying job in the city. She doesn’t need her room anymore.”
“And did anyone consider telling her that before she arrived?” I ask, my voice as smooth as silk but with an edge that cuts through the room. “Or asking the boys to share their space for a few days?”
A pointed pause. Claudia’s composure flickers, the edges of her smile straining.
“Regardless, she won’t be sacrificing her sleep again. I’ve already booked us a hotel nearby.”
Claudia’s eyes dart to Olivia, whose cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Well, that’s very thoughtful of you, Nathaniel. But I’m sure Olivia would prefer to stay here with her family,” Claudia says, her voice taking on a slightly defensive edge. “She’s here to help, after all. There’s plenty to do at the diner and around the house.”
