Alfie looks at me, really looks at me, and then without a single care, reaches out and pulls me into a really tight hug. It feels good, being wrapped in this man’s arms. Too good.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers.
“I have to go and see my mom,” I tell him.
“Want me to come with you?”
I don’t know why he’s being so nice to me, but I also am not going to question it. Because I’m starting to think my dad might be right. It does feel good to have someone else’s strength to lean on, and right now, that someone is Alfie. I also don’t want to need him, so I’m torn between using him as a comfort and refusing to allow myself that one concession.
“Molly.” Alfie grips my chin and tilts it upwards when I don’t look at him. “Be a good girl and introduce me to your mom,” he says in that husky voice of his.
“Okay.” I nod and take his hand as I lead him up the stairs.
I know what he just did, made it seem like an order, something I couldn’t refuse. Alfie is a man used to getting his way, and there’s a part of me that likes following his orders. Usually they end up with me experiencing out-of-this-world pleasure, though. There’s also something about being his good girl that melts me.
It’s absolutely stupid and I’m going to hate myself for being so weak when this is all over. Right now, however, I’m riding this wave for as long as I can.
I let go of Alfie’s hand just before we reach the door to my mother’s bedroom. He gives me a disapproving look but doesn’t argue when we walk through.
My mom is sitting up in bed.
“Hi,” I say weakly.
She turns and looks at me with a blank stare. “Oh, dear, have you seen my daughter? Molly. She’ll be home from school soon. Can you tell her I want to see her?”
I take a deep breath while keeping the smile plastered on my face. My father gives me an apologetic look, but I don’t focus on any of that. Instead, I focus on the feel of Alfie’s palm pressing into my lower back, that small touch to let me know he’s right here.
“I haven’t seen her yet, Mrs. Olive. I brought a friend with me today. This is Alfie,” I say, walking farther into the room.
“Well, aren’t you a handsome young man?” Mom smiles at Alfie, and he chuckles. “What happened to your face?”
“I, ah, cut myself shaving,” Alfie replies.
“Oh, dear, you should be more careful,” Mom tells him.
“I will be more careful from now on,” Alfie says. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Olive.”
“Have you seen my daughter?” she asks him. “She should be home from school soon. Molly. She’s beautiful.”
I turn around because I can’t help but feel the wetness in my eyes. Alfie looks down at me before turning to face my mother again. I walk over to the window and open the curtains wider, busying myself so I can gain some kind of control over my emotions.
“I just met her a little while ago. You’re right. Sheisbeautiful… and smart. I have a feeling your daughter is going to take over the world one day,” Alfie says casually. “She mentioned something about going to study with a friend.”
“Oh, that’s good. She works too hard. She gets that from her father.” Mom chuckles. “Are you a doctor? Or a nurse?”
“Ah, neither,” Alfie says. “I own some casinos. Well, my parents do. I just manage them.”
“Oh, that’s impressive. How did you meet Maggie?” At the mention of the made-up name I gave my mother a few years ago, after I gave up trying to convince her that I was Molly, I turn around.
“Oh, I met Alfie while on vacation in Vegas. I had a friend who had her bachelorette party there,” I lie.
“I saw Maggie at a bar and, well, I’ve been following her around ever since.” Alfie smiles.
“Oh, that’s sweet,” Mom says, then turns to my dad. “Isn’t that sweet, Craig?”
“It is, dear,” Dad agrees.
“Tell me what I’ve missed, Mrs. Olive. What’s been happening since I’ve been away?” I try to pick up the mood of the room a little.
