I pull her gently to me, sliding my fingers through the soft locks of hair tumbling out of her bun, and wrap her in a deep but tender kiss. It’s less desperate than before, but I hope it conveys exactly how much I need her. Adore her.
The door creaks. My eyes open, peeking past Ellie.
My mother’s standing there. And she’s not leaving.
Realization hits Ellie that we’re no longer alone, and she pushes herself off me, wincing as her legs untangle from my lap. She stumbles to her feet, straightening her clothes and hair.
I fall back against the wall with a thud, then stare at the ceiling.Fuck.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Mother says, followed by a thump as she sets something on the counter. “I’ve been looking for you—I need to make a delivery, but I’m simply not up to it today.”
“I should go,” Ellie says, and my gaze drops to her.
She’s glancing around the room with all the nerves of a scared bunny, her elbows tucked in as she wrings her hands together. This is the worst possible turn of events. I didn’t even keep her from my mother for an entire day.
Mother waves her off. “No, no. Stay. Have some tea. It looks like you already have the kettle going.” She walks stiffly over to the fireplace, removing the kettle with a metal poker.
Ellie takes a quick step forward. “Let me help you.”
“No need.” Mother shuffles back to the kitchen and rummages through a cabinet, looking for tea leaves. “Just a moment.”
As she hobbles into the other room, Ellie looks to me for guidance. My instinct is to take her by the hand and get her the fuck out of here, but I’m not quite ready to walk around in public yet. I haul myself off the bed, attempting subtlety as I rearrange myself, then pull out a chair at the table for her. She slowly lowers herself into it while I slump into the other one, buttoning my collar back up.
A moment later, Mother returns, humming nonsense words as she pours hot water into two teacups and a mug, then sprinkles in various tea leaves. “So, tell me about yourself. How did you two meet?”
“I already told you,” I mutter, running my hand through my hair.
Ellie’s eyes widen, and she brings her hand to her face to hide an emerging smile. My heart flutters, but gets squashed the instant my mother speaks again.
“Yes, you did, but I was asking about her perspective.” She looks back at Ellie. “Do you have any classes together?”
“Only one.”
Mother gives us each a teacup before sitting with her mug in the well-worn armchair near the fire, where she spends most of her time at home. “Let me know if you need any sugar.”
Ellie lifts her teacup, her pinky sticking out to the side, and takes a delicate sip. “This is lovely. I’ve never had this flavor before.”
“This is something I mix up myself to ease my aches and pains,” Mother replies, holding up her mug.
I gulp down my tea. It burns, but my body’s finally calming down and I just want this over with. The more time Ellie spends around my mother, the more likely she’ll be scared off. That was fine with all the others, but not her.
“Caeo was telling me about that,” she says. “I had a rough morning, and he thought it might help.” She takes another sip.
Mother smiles, but it lacks any genuine warmth. Ellie probably can’t tell, but I’ve seen it enough to know.
“You said you needed help with a delivery?” I ask.
“Yes.” Mother sets her mug on the floor. “I finished the alterations on Farmer Crowley’s daughter’s wedding dress. I haven’t had to do such intricate stitching in a long time. He’s certainly spending a small fortune on it. He must love her dearly.” She focuses her gaze on me. “They’re expecting it today, so you had best get going.”
Shit.Crowley’s is a good six miles away. This will take forever.
“You’re lucky I didn’t have a second class this afternoon,” I mutter. “Come on, Ellie, I’ll walk you back first.”
She gulps the rest of her tea and grabs her things. “It was nice meeting you.”
“Have a lovely day,” Mother calls as we leave. I take Ellie’s hand and let the door slam behind us.
“Your mom seems nice.”
