Page 118 of Saints & Sailors

Taking the hint, my mother waved goodbye before going out to the car. Angela followed me over to the waiting area where I nervously fiddled with my hands.

“Yes?” Angela pressed when I didn’t speak up.

“I thought you should know I…I like Dreux. A lot,” I announced. “And he likes me, too.”

Angela’s lips twitched, like she was amused. “Last night at dinner, according to him, you two were seeing each other.”

Shit. He’d told his parents about us.

“And you don’t approve,” I said defeatedly. “Is…is it because I’m…”

“A brat who flew into town screaming at my son and even your own father? Who seemed mad at the world? Yeah, that may have had something to do with it.” She loosened up suddenly, flashing a rare smile in my direction. “But, I can say I’ve seen the change in you. The effort. I was positive this wouldn’t work out, but you’ve been a big help at the shop. I mean it. As far as Dreux goes, I just want him happy and safe.”

She wanted what any good parent wanted: the best for their kid.

“Just be careful, Saylor.” She nudged me with her elbow. “And stop acting so afraid of me.”

My cheeks burned. “Can’t help it!”

Angela shook her head, smiling nonetheless. “Enjoy your mom.”

“Thanks,” I said.

I went and got back in the car, feeling lighter. Feeling accepted.

“So, Dreux’s mom, huh?” my mother said as she started for Scott’s.

I ducked my head. “Yeah. He told her and his dad we were seeing each other. Guess it’s official.”

“Oh.” My mother smiled as she kept her eyes on the road. “You really like this boy?”

“Yeah, yeah I do.”

He held my hand. He kept me close. He encouraged me when I was feeling down. He was good for me. And he made me happy.

My mother didn’t push as she drove the rest of the way home. I liked that, because this was big for me and I was still processing it all.

Scott was off from Marty’s and my mother came in with me instead of going back to her motel.

“Hey.” Scott came down the hall to greet us after hearing us enter the house. Almost right away his gaze floated to my mother as hers drifted to him. She blushed. He grinned.

Scott came back to me, his brows furrowing as he angled his head. “I thought you had to work tonight.”

“Angela’s letting me off to spend time with Mom,” I explained.

“Nice.” Scott glanced back down the hall toward the kitchen. “Maybe we can all tag-team dinner? I was thinking clams and linguine.”

I loved that Scott cooked more seafood since that’s where I leaned most days. He still cooked red meat once a week, but once he noticed my affinity for fish or chicken, he was quick to work my taste into the equation.

I set my school bag on the last step before following Scott to the kitchen with my mother in tow. Bright blue grocery bags from Marty’s covered the counters by the sink and classic rock was playing from a speaker on the island. Queen.

“By the way, I haven’t forgotten you promised to play me ‘Blackbird,’ ” my mother said as she eyed Scott.

I snorted. “No way you tried to schmooze her with the guitar card.”

Scott puffed up his chest with pride. “You’re damn right I did.”

My mother laughed and Scott was beside her. Just looking at them, I couldn’t help but note how normal this felt.