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My stomach had been doing somersaults all day, an unfamiliar tightness in my chest. Now I was just as worried and freaking out as Zander was. In a few minutes I would meet the family of the guy I was in love with…his mom, who was only a few years older than me, who would probably think I was some kind of creep for being with her son.
This was a fucking mess.
“Is it unsexy of me to tell you that I’m now freaking out a bit?” I asked, hoping it somehow helped us loosen up.
“See? I told you! This is so… I’ve never been in this kind of situation before.”
“Me neither. I blame you. I’m too old for this.”
“Now you finally admit you’re an old man?” he teased back.
“Anything for you, Mr. Wescott.” I winked.
He smiled, the tips of his ears pinkening the way I loved.
Zander didn’t have a chance to say anything more before a small, older Toyota pulled up. The car had clearly seen better days. There was a dent in the side, the paint lightened from years in the sun.
Once they parked, Zander went straight to the driver’s side, and I stood around like a fucking idiot who had no real place there—which was more true than I wanted it to be.
Zander opened the door, reached in, and helped his mom out. She was a beautiful woman, so much of Zander’s features coming from her. They had the same brown hair with streaks of honey in it, the same slim figure, though she was shorter and slightly curvier. And when she hugged him and smiled, I noticed two things—first, that he’d also gotten his full lips from her, and second, that she looked young, maybe younger than me, despite being a few years older.
“How was the drive? Did you do okay? Were there any troubles? Is your back hurting? I can help you inside and then come back for your things,” Zander rambled.
She chuckled. “Way too many questions. I’m fine. We’re here. That’s what matters.”
Molly got out of the passenger seat. Her hair was black, though it looked like it had been dyed that color. She wore a lot of bracelets and had an older pair of headphones around her neck.
“Are you Zander’s boyfriend? You’re a whole lot older than he is,” she said. Thanks, kid, because I needed to hear that.
“Molly!” Zander and his mom both said.
“It’s fine,” I replied.
“We’re just friends,” Zander told her. I really hated hearing that, but it helped when he added, “And his age doesn’t matter. I like him the way he is.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it. I just made an observation.”
“It’s fine,” I said again. “You’re not wrong.”
“Molly, apologize to Mr.…”
“McCoy,” I provided. “But please, call me Harrison, both of you. Mr. McCoy makes me feel…well, old, which I clearly am, but I like to pretend otherwise.” How did I not know her name?
“I’m not the one who should apologize,” Molly said sharply, and yeah, she was mad at her mother for something, that was clear.
“Bug!” Zander snapped.
“Ugh. Whatever.” Molly looked at me. “I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”
Ms. Wescott looked uncomfortable but tried to hide it. “Don’t call yourself old. That would mean I’m old.”
Zander winced. I managed to hide mine…I thought.
I walked over to his mom and held out my hand. “Harrison McCoy, though I guess you know that.”
“Ashley Timmons. Zander’s father and I never married.” We shook hands.
“Nice to meet you. Shall we get you guys inside?”
She tried to take a step and winced.
“Let me get your cane. Did you bring the wheelchair?” Zander asked.
“I don’t need the chair. I’m fine,” Ashley replied. I had a feeling she wanted to be more fine than she was.
“I’ll help get your things.” I opened the back seat and handed Zander the cane there.
“Thank you,” he replied with a small, sweet smile, one that maybe said he was slightly embarrassed too. Not of his mom or her disability, but of the situation.
“Of course.” I grabbed their two bags while Zander helped Ashley into the house. Molly hung back with me.
“I wasn’t trying to be a jerk,” she said softly. I didn’t think she wanted her mom to know she was apologizing to me, making me wonder again if something was going on with them. Maybe Molly hadn’t wanted to come to Atlanta.
“I didn’t take offense. I’m forty-one. That probably sounds ancient to you, but I’ll tell you a secret.” I lowered my voice. “I joke around about being old, but I don’t feel it.”
“Is that why you and Zander hang out? Does that make you feel younger too?”
Christ, this kid was totally busting my balls without meaning to. “No, I spend time with him because I like him. His friendship means a lot to me.”
“It must to Zander too if we’re here.”
