His mother quirked a brow. “Is this your way of not returning to the Airbnb with us? I told you we needed to talk.”
I touched his hand that rested between us on the table. “Hey...it really is cool. I can catch an Uber back.”
Carter’s jaw tightened. “How many bedrooms does the house have, because either she and I are going home or she’s hanging with us?”
Chase picked up his iced tea to hide his amused smile. He was probably used to this battle of wills between his brother and mother. I didn’t know how to respond. I had an early class and nothing on me except my bookbag, and as much as I wanted to tell him that, I remained mute, wondering who or what Carter was running from.
Ms. St. Patrick’s nose flared. “A four-bedroom home.” She glanced at me. “You’re more than welcome to stay with us.”
I nodded. “Thank you.
Several plates of appealing appetizers were served and placed before us. The food looked and smelled delicious.
The waiter addressed me and Carter, “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Two glasses of water with lemons,” he answered before I could say anything.
Ms. St. Patrick tilted her head. “Your friend doesn’t want that. I taught you better than that. Ask her what she wants...don’t just order for her.”
He sucked in his breath. “Darren doesn’t mind water.”
“It’s fine. Really, Ms. St. Patrick. I drink a lot of water.” I nodded. This tension was a bit much after going through it with Grey. At this point, I was ready to leave.
Carter nudged my shoulder and asked softly, “What would you like to drink?”
I smiled at his gesture. “Guess.”
He grinned back. “Guess right, and that means we're compatible.”
“Mm... hm.” I leaned into him as his gaze dropped to my mouth.
His mother cleared her throat, and we both remembered where we were.
“Pass me the sushi if you can keep your hands off each other,” Chase added with a smirk, clearly enjoying this strange, unexpected meal.
I blushed while Carter kicked Chase under the table.
“Mama, Stank kicked me.”
Carter looked at his mother with feigned wide-eyed innocence, favoring the boy he probably once was. “I didn’t touch him. I swear.”
“I can show you the bruise,” Chase told his mother as he tapped his left leg.
“Bullsh...” Carter quickly stopped before he cursed. “I didn’t even touch him, Mama.”
Chuckling, she shook her head. “I miss this so much. My boys together.” Ms. St. Patrick smiled at me. “Would you like something other than what we ordered? The appetizers are their favs.”
“Everything looks good, Ms. St. Patrick. You don’t have to go out of the way for me.” I forked some calamari onto my saucer.
“Apparently, I do. My son has never brought a girl to meet me.” She twisted her lips slightly at her son, who tensed beside me while I pretended to be unfazed by her statement.
Never?
