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HOPE
After putting the first batch of cupcakes in the oven, I stretch a little. My back has been hurting for a couple of weeks, but today is the worstor the best,depending on how I choose to look at it.
I have a big baking order for a retirement party on top of my usual deliveries for the bakery.
But this pain will be all worth it at the sight of the huge smile on my son’s face when he sees his new science kit next week.
As if sensing my thoughts, Ray materializes into the kitchen. “Ma, my friend is here with his brothers!”
“Which friend?” I tip my head to the side.
“Your Highness!” He squeals in delight, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Really, your new friend is here? Isn’t it a little late for playing?” I try to conjure my strict mother voice. Ray is a good kid, but I still want to make sure he knows there are some rules in our house.
“No, Ma, not to play but to meet you. He even brought his brothers. They’re talking to Gigi.” Ray tugs my jeans and pulls me away from the kitchen counter.
“Okay. Okay. I’m coming.” I let my son drag me into the living room, even though this surprise visit does not sit well in my stomach.
Adrenaline shoots through my system and my heart palpitates at the sight of three big men sitting, or more like trying to fit their bodies unsuccessfully, on our small couch. Upon seeing me they stand up in total sync.
“W-what’s happening?” My anxiety gears up as I notice their fine suits. It seems they’ve stepped straight out of some fashion magazine.
They are so out of place in our living room.
Did someone report that I’m failing to take care of Ray?
My insecure brain immediately asks this question, even when they don’t look like child protection services.
As my mind runs wild, Ray leaves my side and bows to one of them. “Your Highness! That’s Ma.”
God, why does my son have to be so cute?
I pull my mother to the side, my palms clammy over her cold arms. “Who the hell are these people, Mom?” I whisper through clenched teeth.
Why the hell did she allow them inside?
“I don’t know.” Mom looks at me wide-eyed and shrugs. “But I’m calling them by my own nicknames.” She smiles mischievously. “The sexiest said he met Ray yesterday. The sweetest showed me some of their photos and convinced me to let them in. The hottest hasn’t said much yet.” She points to the three of them, telling me who is the sexiest, the sweetest, and the hottest.
Leave it to my mom to find humor in the weirdest of situations. For a fleeting second, I wonder how she even decided on the titles?
Before I can say anything, thesexiestsays, “I think we’ve met before?”
My mom swears. “You fucking kidding me. You said you don’t know my daughter.”
Thesweetest’seyebrows rise up while thehottestsays, “Fuck, Zach!”
So, that’s the real name of thesexiest.
“Gigi said the f-word, Ma.” Ray giggles.
“Munchkin, why don’t you pack your bag for school? And when you’re done, you can give Mr. Stanley a bath.”
Once I can hear Ray talking to Mr. Stanley in his bedroom, I give a pointed look to my mother. “Mom, no swearing in front of Ray.”
“You too, Zander. Totally uncool to swear in front of Ray.” The one who was just now called Zach adds his meaningless two cents.
“And who the hell are you?” I narrow my eyes on him. As much as I hate to admit it, I too feel like I’ve met him in the last few days. Maybe he was a customer at the bakery.
