“Yessir.” I do as I am told and follow behind him, wiping my sweaty palms on my pants. I wish he didn’t make me so nervous.
“My mother has her own private quarters in the eastern wing of the house. She has a full-time nurse, Jessa, who is on call for her around the clock. There is a maid, Elizabeth, who you’ll also see around the house. She keeps everything clean and cooks for the farmhands.”
He continues talking about the history of the house and farm as we head to the east wing. This farm has belonged to his family for more than two hundred years.
Occasionally he slows down to let me catch up. There’s something different about him than when I met him at his beach house. He’s much more relaxed.
I can’t say the same.
He’s ditched the custom-tailored suit in favor of some fitted Wrangler jeans with a leather belt, a white T-shit, and some rugged cowboy boots. He is still drop dead gorgeous.
“Stay here. I am going to see if she’s awake.” He walks through the sliding barn-style door, leaving me behind.
Standing there, I pick at some dead skin on my fingers, unsure of what to do. I’ve already peeled all my nails to the quick. It’s a nervous habit I developed in school when I was forced to sit through lectures and my anxiety would skyrocket.
Meeting Nick’s mom seems like a big step. Hopefully she isn’t as sinister as he comes off as. I pace back and forth, taking in the grain pattern details of the beautiful hardwood floors. I wonder how old they are.
For several long minutes, I admire the many scuffs, scratches, and dents that add character and tell an unwritten story of many years of wear and tear. I wonder how many times Nick and Ethan ran up and down these hallways. If they were allowed to play like normal kids or if they were required to act a certain way inside. Was there laughter here from a happy family? Or lots of yelling like mine?
I wish I could just go back to the kitchen with Ethan. His laid-back, easygoing personality is really growing on me. Sure, he’s very attractive, but I’m not attracted to him. He’s like thepain in the ass brother I never had growing up. I can’t even remember being attracted to many boys growing up. I either avoided them completely or let certain ones like Trevor and Kaleb use my body for favors. None of it ever meant anything.
The door slides open and Nick motions me forward. “Jessa is finishing up getting her dressed so we can go in. I want you to meet Elizabeth.”
Through the doors, into a sitting/kitchenette area is a short, plump woman with gray hair. “Elizabeth, this is Maya, and she is going to be staying with us for a little while. Maya, this is Elizabeth.”
“Maya, what a beautiful name! It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady! I am always on the farm unless I go to the market. I live in the small guest house behind the pool. I’m here if you need anything at all, dear.” She wraps me in a tight hug, catching me off guard. She reminds me of Emma with her motherly vibe.
Another set of doors open and a lady with dark curly hair, who I presume is Jessa, peeks her head out. “She’s ready to see you, sir.”
“Thank you, Jessa. This is Maya.” Nick holds his hands towards me.
“Nice to meet you.” She smiles and holds her hand out for me to shake.
“Thank you, it’s nice to meet y’all too.” I look from side to side at the two women.
My heart is in my throat from my nerves. I grew up in a town where everybody knew each other. Given the town’s reputation, nobody new ever moved in. I’m not accustomed to meeting so many new people all the time. I wonder how much hetold them about me, or if they even know anything at all. I’m sure they can tell by looking at me that I don’t belong here, but their smiles and kindness seem genuine nonetheless.
“This way.” Nick places his hand on the small of my back. It startles me so bad, I nearly jump out of my skin, internally. Externally, my body gives a slight shudder, and my breath hitches.
If he notices, he doesn’t say anything. I can’t tell if it’s my imagination or adrenaline but the thin shirt I am wearing does little to hide the heat radiating from his hand.
It makes my pulse pound harder and I’m pretty sure my pale skin is flushed.
Inside the room there’s a small hospital bed with a tiny, small-frame, white-haired woman with the same eyes as Ethan, but very little resemblance to Nick. He must take after his father. Her winkled hand trembles as she tries to hold a cup of coffee.
Her bright blue eyes light up when she sees Nick. “Jessa, where are we? Is this the funeral home? Did I die?” her squeaky voice trembles.
“No ma’am, you didn’t die. You’re at home.” Jessa laughs.
“But my son is here. He never comes to visit. Are you sure this isn’t my visitation?” She smiles so big I swear it reaches her eyes, then she starts laughing. “I was sure I would have to die before you’d come visit me again.”
Her smile and laugh are so infectious I can’t help but laugh when she does. She must not have noticed me when we first walked in but is now staring at me intently.
“And who are you, my dear? Oh heavens, Nick, this isn’t your girlfriend, is it?” She looks to him questionably.
My heart sinks. Obviously there’s a noticeable difference in social stature between him and I, but I was hoping to not be called out on it.
I suppose if I am going to be around people like this, I need to get used to them passing judgment on me. I take a step back, but Nick holds me firmly in place.
