“Take your time. We’ll both be here.”
On my way to the bathroom, I check on da, who’s sleeping peacefully. I’m glad he isn’t as ill-looking as he was when wearrived at the hospital. We’re lucky to have a private room, so it has been easier for us to stay with him. But I’m still considering going home tonight, as I need a break from this place, and mama wants to have space for herself and da.
I’m rubbing lotion on my skin when I hear mama’s voice. “Sophia, come here.”
I open the door and walk out of the bathroom, arching an eyebrow. “What’s up?”
Mama looks to her left, and that’s when I notice him. Jax. He’s holding a massive bouquet, hesitantly smiling. “Hey, darling.”
“Jax, you’re here.”
His eyes trace me from my head to my toes. “So it seems.”
“But what about work and your second dinner with Reid?”
“He was okay with me canceling after I explained that mygirlfriendneeds me to be there for her.”
I love the word girlfriend coming from his lips, especially since he’s talking about me. We haven’t had the talk yet, but if the past month has shown anything, we belong together. I have spent half of the nights at his place, getting to know him, his beautiful mind, and that stunning body.
“Well, Chicklet, are you going to introduce us or what?” mama asks from behind me. I forgot where we were for a moment.
“Fu—nyuns, sorry for that. Jax, meet my mama, Cynthia. Mama, this is Jax, my boyfriend.”
Mama squeals at the introduction, and it makes Jax chuckle. “Nice to meet you, Cynthia. Your daughter has talked a lot about you and your husband. How’s Darragh doing?”
“Better than earlier, thanks for asking. Are those flowers for him?”
Jax’s cheeks redden, and he falters. “Yes, no, I mean…these are for you, actually.”
“Mama, let him be,” I say playfully and take the flowers from Jax. The vase weighs more than I expected, so I can’t leave it on the small side table. Instead, I place the bouquet of mixed flowers on a windowsill. It’ll make mama happy seeing it every day.
Jax walks behind me, putting his arms around me while whispering in my ear. “Boyfriend, huh?”
“You started it by calling me your girlfriend,” I whisper back.
“Darling, I did that on purpose. I wanted to have the talk but had no idea how to start one, so I just pulled the trigger and watched what happened next.”
“There are no complaints from me.”
“Good, because I liked calling you mine.”
I turn around and kiss Jax softly. When he is about to deepen the kiss, there’s a throat clearing behind us, and I remember we aren’t alone. “Sorry, mama!”
“I don’t mind, as you two look adorable together. But I have something to ask from the young gentleman before he sticks his tongue down your throat again.”
I snort, and Jax pokes my side. “Yes, Cynthia?”
“Would you mind walking our sweet Sophia home for the night? I don’t want her to go alone, and it’s getting dark soon. You can stay the night, too.”
“Sure. We can leave now or later if you’d like the company,” Jax suggests.
“Thank you for offering, but I’m ready for a nap, and Chicklet has been ready to leave for hours now. She isn’t a fan of hospitals after her accident.”
“I don’t blame her. The waiting room looked as cold as it felt that night.”
“Ah yes, of course, you were there. I keep forgetting that it wasyourbike.”
“Mama, we don’t need a reminder!”
