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“You’ve got a way with design. The way you tucked the kitchen under the eaves with floating shelves is genius. And I love the dormer window over the sink.”
Adrian felt his face warming. Blushing? Was he blushing over a little compliment? Time to get his plan rolling, before she turned him into a panting puppy. “Thank you. Would you like something to drink? I’ve got wine…”
“Actually, I’d kill for a cold beer right now.”
He was surprised, but pleasantly so, that he’d pegged her wrong.
“That I can do.” He dramatically opened his small refrigerator like some game show host, and she laughed again. So far, so good. “Ladies’ choice.”
“I’ll have a Pacifico, please.”
As he opened their beers, he heard telltale footsteps on the stairs.
“¿Mijo?Is that you?”
“Yes, Mamá. I’m home. Come on up and meet Sofia.” He had no qualms about this. He loved his mom, and he knew she didn’t get much company, so he always invited her up to meet his friends. His mom had been hearing about her for ages, and he was hoping that Sofia in his apartment would be a frequent occurrence. Then again, Sofia was more than just a friend.
He flashed back to his conversation with his mom earlier… Okay, maybe one qualm. Make that two. His mother was a loose cannon around women she wanted him to date. All of the mothers on the block with daughters of marriageable age had been called in and vetted over many cups of coffee. She could be intimidating, but it was too late to turn back. He didn’t want Sofia to think he didn’t want her to meet his mother. He’d just have to bulldoze through it now.
“Mamá, meet Sofia Valenti. Sofia, my mother, Graciela Villanueva.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Sofia reached for his mother’s hands and held them in her own while she spoke. “Adrian brought me some of yourpollo en mole. It was divine.”
“Did he, now? Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. He’s a good boy, my Adrian. Strong but thoughtful.”
“She’s a good woman, mymamá. Sweet but meddlesome.”
“What? I’m not telling her anything she doesn’t know.” His mother let go of Sofia’s hand long enough to pat him on the cheek.
“Enough, Mamá.”
Sofia laughed along with him, and warmth flooded his chest. He’d heard more laughter from her tonight than he had in the last year in the office.
“You sound like my mother. She likes to list my attributes to any single man who will stand still long enough to listen. You don’t have to sell me on Adrian though. I already know he’s a great guy.”
Adrian watched this woman charm his mother, and desperately hoped she’d behiswoman soon.
“I’m sure your mother wants the best for you, too. My Adrian…”
“Mamá, stop!” He laughed along, since Sofia was laughing, but he knew his mother was deadly serious and would not be deterred. “We are going to watch a movie and relax. I’m in for the night, so you can lock up.”
“Okay, I can take a hint. I’m glad to put a beautiful face with the name. Good night, you two.”
“I could say the same Mrs. Villanueva. Sleep well.”
Adrian leaned over and kissed his mother’s forehead. “Night, Mamá. I’ll be down to double-check the locks later.”
“Don’t worry about it tonight. You have a guest.”
“I’ll be down later.Te amo,Mamá.”
“Te amo tambien,mijo.”
As he closed the door behind her, he let out a sigh of relief with the breath he’d kept trapped in his chest. That had gone well. Or at least, as well as could be expected, when one had a nosy mother with no filter.
Chapter 14
“That was sweet.I’m glad to finally meet her. Why didn’t you ever bring her to one of the company picnics?” Sofia tucked her hair behind her ear, and deliberately kept the small talk rolling as she wandered down his hallway. Her nerves were nipping at her heels, and she was afraid to slow down in case they caught up with her and ruined everything.
