Adam's List(42)

Adam greets her with his charming smile. “Hi, Mrs. Peterson. You’re just as beautiful as your daughter.”

It’s so obvious the way she looks back at him that he’s instantly made the lasting impression on her as he did on me. “Why, thank you.” She steps forward, her hand held out. “And who might you be?”

“Adam Murphy,” he answers smoothly, taking her hand. His dimples flare, sealing the deal. My mom’s a goner. I swallow down a groan.

“Funny, you haven’t mentioned anyone named Adam before,” Mom tells me as their hands separate. “In fact you haven’t been calling me regularly.”

My face turns hot. Will she launch into our agreement in front of Adam? “I’ve been busy.”

“Studying,” Adam adds. “Jewels and I have a few classes together. She’s either working or studying with me at the library.”

I eye him, shocked. He must sense that my parents have me on a short leash, even though I haven’t alluded to it in our conversations. And he definitely knows how to properly work my mom.

My mom giggles like a teenager, grinning at Adam from ear-to-ear. “Well, at least I know my baby’s in good hands.” Ugh, she’s actually flirting with him. She’s seriously beautiful for her age, but does she always have to act like she’s fifteen years younger around my friends? “What happened to your eye? That’s quite the shiner.”

I grow tense, silently begging Adam not to reveal the truth. But he’s too busy cranking up the charm. “Got elbowed by one of the guys shooting hoops. I see it as a reminder why I never went out for any sports in high school.”

Mom hisses through her teeth. “Ouch. Looks painful.”

Adam glances down at my yoga pants, the edges of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Are you wearing that to class?”

“No,” I answer quickly, running a hand over my hair. I must look atrocious once again after spending the last couple of days in a ball on the couch. “I have to shower.”

Mom sighs, as if I’m too much trouble for her to deal with. “Then you better hurry.”

“Go,” Adam tells me, motioning back to the hallway. “I’ll keep your mom company.”

He’s giving me an easy out. Adam knows that if the two of us act like we’re on our way to class, she’ll get out of my hair. I nod, darting around the room to gather my things. Just before I leave the room, I glance at Adam.

With his back to my mom, he offers me a warm, genuine smile. It’s a peace offering.

“You did not!” My mom yells as I walk back into the room. She stands way too close to Adam, laughing, one freshly manicured hand on his arm.

“What’s going on?” I ask, setting my toiletries down.

Adam turns to me, all dimples. “You look great.”

Affection pinches my throat. Although I didn’t want to waste the extra time, I dried my hair and curled it the best I know how without Kelly’s assistance. And I’m wearing makeup for the first time in days. The jeggings and loosely fitting top are Kelly’s, but super comfortable, and so me. I actually feel better. Refreshed. Like myself again.

“Thanks. Ready to go?”

“You have to leave?” Mom asks, looking back and forth between us. “Now?”

“Class starts at nine,” I say, reaching for my bag and cell phone. Adam promptly takes my bag away, slinging it over his shoulder.

Mom glances at her watch. “Well, I suppose I can make it back to work before the mid-morning meeting.” She holds her hands out to Adam, smiling. “It was certainly a pleasure meeting you, Adam.” As she leans in for a hug, he gawks at me, helpless. I hide a fit of giggles behind my hand.

“You too, Mrs. Peterson,” Adam tells her, patting her back.

She moves on to hug me. “Next time I expect more communication, young lady.”

She squeezes me so tightly, I can hardly breathe. I actually feel a little guilty for making her worry like that. When she pulls away, I nod.

“I’ll call more,” I promise.

A few feet from the door, she turns to point at Adam, her bracelets clanging together.

“Take care of my baby.”

“I will,” he promises, glancing at me. Butterflies invade my stomach.

“Talk soon!” Mom calls to me, blowing a kiss.

The minute she closes the door, I fall to the couch with my hands over my eyes and blow out a long breath. “Oh my god, that was awkward. I hope she didn’t try to grab your ass while I was in the shower.”

Adam sets my bag down, chuckling. “She seems harmless.” He sits down at my side. “Are you really doing better? You had me pretty freaked out when you wouldn’t answer the door all day yesterday.”