“Mum, Chase is here,” Angel calls.
Brooke emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands on the apron she’s wearing. “Hi sweetie,” she says as she walks towards me. Nobody has ever called me sweetie before. Coming from her, I like it. I’m taken aback when she wraps me in her arms again. This time she holds me longer and squeezes me tight. When she pulls back, she cups my face in her hands.
“Thank you for saving my daughter the other night. I’ll be forever indebted to you for what you did.” Even though her words surprise me, the sincerity I see in her eyes makes me smile.
What the fuck? She knows? My eyes drift to Angel. By her mum’s comments I’m presuming she told her what happened. She gives me a small unsure smile, mouthing ‘sorry’. She has nothing to be sorry about. “It was nothing,” is all I say. I’m at a loss for words. It’s nothing I wouldn’t do a thousand times over. I’d do anything for my sweet-cheeks.
“Sit,” Brooke says, gesturing towards the table. I notice it’s set all fancy and shit. It makes me wonder if they went to all this trouble just for me. I doubt it. They probably eat like this all the time. “You sit too, baby. I’ll get you both something to drink.”
“I need to stir the sauce and check the pasta,” Angel says to her mother.
“I’ll do that. You keep your guest company.” When Brooke winks at Angel, I notice a small blush light up her beautiful face. Fuck I love it when her cheeks flush pink like that.
••••
Dinner goes well, really well. Better than I thought it would. The ladies pampered me all night. I’m not used to that kind of treatment from females. Well in the bedroom, yes, but outside of it, not so much.
Angel was right. Her seafood pasta is to die for. Best food I’ve ever fucking tasted. Her mum’s dessert was right up there, too. It’s funny how normal you think your life is, until you see how other people live. Pops and I rarely sit down to eat like this. Sure we eat together, but most of our meals are eaten in front of the television.
The conversation flowed freely throughout dinner and into the night, but was mostly between Angel and I. Her mum just sat back smiling, watching us the whole time. I’d love to know what was going through her mind.
I’m surprised how much I like her, given my track record. How different my life would’ve been if I’d grown up with a mother like Brooke.
••••
Angel
Having Chase here tonight, with my mum, has been wonderful. It’s been just what I needed. My mum seems to really like him. He’s a hard person not to like. He’s charming, polite, funny, and down to earth.
When it was time for him to go, my mum hugged him again. I hope he’s okay with all the affection she’s been giving him. My mum’s just like that. She hugs everyone. Well, the people she cares about anyway.
“It was lovely to meet you,” she says. “I hope I get to see you again next time I’m in town. Or maybe Angel can bring you to Sydney.”
“Mum,” I squeal. “I’m sure he has better things to do than come home with me for a visit.” Chase looks over at me and chuckles.
“Nope,” he says to me with a smile, before turning his attention back to my mum. “I’d like that.” I’m sure he’s just being polite.
“Look after my girl for me. It’s hard having her so far away from us.” God, I could just die. As much as I have loved having him around, I bet he can’t wait to get back to his old life.
“I plan to do just that,” he answers winking at me, and my mum beams.
“Knowing she has you here looking out for her, eases my mind. Thank you, sweetie.” She reaches for Chase’s hand, giving it a squeeze. He smiles at her again. I hate how she’s putting pressure on him to look out for me.
“Mum, shouldn’t you go ring daddy or something?” I ask, trying to get her away before she embarrasses me further.
“Oh, of course. Goodnight Chase.”
“Goodnight. Thank you for dinner and your hospitality,” he answers. Thankfully mum just smiles this time, before leaving us alone.
“God. I’m so sorry about that,” I say when we step out onto the front porch.
“Don’t be. Your mum’s great. I really like her.”
“You do?”
“Uh huh. She’s sweet, just like you,” he says as his hand comes up, lightly brushing the side of my face. It sends shivers coursing through me. Is it wrong that I love him touching me?
We stand looking at each other. I’m suddenly feeling awkward and I don’t know what to say or do. Then he does something that I think shocks us both. He steps forward, cupping my face in his hands, before pressing his lips to mine. My hands come up and fist in his shirt as I pull him closer to me. He groans against my mouth.