Page 19 of Pretender

“Does she play tennis?”

I huff. “On occasion.”

“Where did you meet?”

“At work.”

“She works for you?”

“I’m her client, not her boss.” It hits me as I say that, she genuinely needs me now. After Henry took half her company and staff, she must be struggling, and I’m her main client.

“What does she do?” Mum asks, arms loosening.

“She’s a designer. Interior designer.”

“We wish you all the best, Aiden,” Eros finally says, gesturing for his daughter to come with them.

They must have all just stood there, transfixed, while Mum interrogated me. Fuck, this is ridiculous.

“Nice to meet you,” he adds, meeting my gaze before he turns to Mum. “And thank you for the delicious food and wine, Amara.”

“Oh, of course!” She waves at them and gives them all air kisses. “And remember to check out Aiden’s restaurant Millefleuré in Mayfair. He can sort you out. Right, Aiden?”

“Of course, any friend of my mother is my special guest,” I say, grateful Mum has stopped sending people to The Orion. It’s a private membership club after all, which she didn’t seem to understand.

When the Russos are finally gone, I breathe out. I can tell Mum the truth now without hurting Chiara’s feelings.

Mum’s still facing the door, and her shoulders are shaking.

“Mum, are you okay?” I put my hands on the top of her arms, nudging her to turn around.

“I’m just so happy, Aiden.”

“That’s … good? Why are you crying?”

She swipes at her face and lifts her gaze to Will, who shuffles up beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“I’m crying for you. You’ve finally found someone.”

“Uh…”

“The way your face lit up when you said her name, oh, my dear Aiden.” She grabs my hand with one of hers, gesticulating with the other. “I’m so relieved. I’ve been worried about you. Dating all these random women like you’re not even trying. Not getting along with any of the good ones I’ve sent your way.” She waves her hands wildly before grasping mine again, exhaling. “I read about you … and so do all my friends.” She scrunches up her mouth the way she used to when I got into trouble at school.

Hold on. She’s disappointed in me?

“Mum.”

“All you do is party and work. What kind of man do you want to be?”

“Alright, take it easy. You don’t have to worry about me.”

I try to let go of her hand, but she grabs the other as well. She’s strong for such a small human.

“No, and now that I’m certain you’ll be okay, Will and I can finally share the news.”

“News?”

“We’re getting married!” she squeals and leans into Will’s sideways embrace, still clutching my hands in hers.