I sputtered.
Finn rolled his eyes. “You promised. You’re exaggerating. Now, please sit. Water okay?”
“Of course.” Valerie sat at the head of the table.
Finn and I would be sitting to either side of her—facing each other.
I grabbed three glasses of water and delivered them while Finn brought the salad. He and I sat and watched as Valerie served herself.
She passed the salad to me. “My son has never introduced me to someone in his life. He can try to tell me that you’rejust a friend, but a mother knows.” She cast her blue-eyed gaze upon her son.
He blushed. Then he ran his hand through his copper hair—so like his mother’s. Finally, after a long moment, he served himself some salad. “It’s not like that.” He handed me the salad.
“Finnegan.” I gave him my sternest voice.
His gaze shot to mine.
I took the salad bowl and held his gaze. “Don’t lie to your mother. It’s exactlylike that.”
Valerie snorted.
Finn cussed.
I grinned and dished up salad.
We ate in silence, then, when Finn rose to get the pasta, Valerie again turned her attention to me. “I like your writing style. And I like how you’ve freshened the paper. So in need of an update.”
“I’m trying my best.”
“So how long are you sticking around?”
“Mom.” Finn placed the glass container holding the lasagna on a trivet. “No interrogations.”
“Asking casual and insightful questions is not the same as interrogating. Police interrogate. I seek answers to burning questions. Ulysses understands, don’t you? The need for answers?”
“Yes, Valerie, I do.”
Finn gestured for his mother to hold her plate up so he could put a piece of lasagna on it.
I did the same. Then waited until he had his pasta as well before picking up my knife and fork.
My first bite was barely onboard when Valerie continued. “Did he meet you on Davie Street? Or through an app? I’ve heard those things are wild—”
“Mom.” Total Finn exasperation.
Something I was familiar with.
Glad I’m not the only one who pushes his buttons.
“What?” Valerie cut a piece of pasta. “I’m trying to be a hip mom. Someone who’s accepting, but also cautious.”
“I am capable of taking care of myself.”
“Like when you got the flu?” She eyed me. “You brought him chicken noodle soup?”
“Yes. Seemed the least I could do.”
“Well, you seem to be a good man. You’ll do.” She took a bite of pasta.
