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“He’s cute as can be,” Mom said. “Tall. Over six feet. Very muscular. Dark brown hair and the nicest brown eyes. And his smile—”
“Mom,” I said, interrupting her. “I don’t want to talk about him now. I wasn’t ready for either of you to meet him, but you were here unexpectedly.”
“Will he be spending Christmas with us?”
“Great idea,” Liam said, arching his brows. “You should invite him over, Charlie. He and I can chat while I carve the turkey.”
“We’ll see.”
We definitely wouldn’t see. I wouldn’t be pressured into telling Liam about Bennett. His insistence only made me want to hold out longer.
“I just think it’s strange that you’re keeping him such a secret,” Liam said. “If he’s manning up like you say he is, he needs to meet your family.”
“You know what?” James said. “This is about the best chicken and noodles I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, thank you,” my mom said. “I’m looking forward to cooking for all of you while I’m here.”
“And how long might that be?” I asked.
She shrugged. “At least through Christmas. I’ll just share your bed.”
Great. There would truly be no escape.
I finished my dinner and feigned exhaustion, going to bed early. I needed time to process this day. Between Riley calling me a whore, apologizing, and apparently deciding he wanted to marry me, and my mom’s surprise visit, I was drained.
I climbed into bed, pulled the covers over my head and looked at my phone in the darkness.
Bennett: You know you taste like peanut M&M’s?
I smiled and wrote back.
Me: Sorry, they’re my bad habit.
Bennett: I thought I was your bad habit. ;)
Me: Well, I’ll admit you are habit-forming.
Bennett: As are you, gorgeous girl.
Me: I went to bed early to escape my family. What are you doing?
Bennett: Laundry. Have to put it all away so your brother doesn’t flip his Type A shit.
Me: I wish you didn’t have to leave tomorrow.
Bennett: Me too. I’ll be home Thursday night. I’ll come see you if your mom’s gone.
Me: She won’t be.
Bennett: Guess I won’t see you til the Friday morning dr. appt then.
Me: At the appt after this one, we get to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.
Bennett: I can’t wait.
Me: Me either. Guess I better try to sleep so my mom doesn’t find out I was blowing her off.
Bennett: Goodnight, Char. Dream about me.
