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I’m wearing a suit to work and she’s wearing a pink shift dress, but we both run out of time and drink our coffee in the car. Laina fusses with her wavy hair in the mirror as I smile, loving everything about this moment.
“Shut up. You don’t need makeup to look good in the morning. It just comes naturally to you.” She snaps as she glances at me.
“You look stunning in the morning. Waking up to your eyes is the best feeling for me,” I tell her as she stares at me. “You don’t need anything to look good, Laina. I want you to see that.”
“It would at least be nice to at least look awake. Maybe we should just have sex once in the morning and if I were to vote, I’d pick the shower. That high seat makes it feel amazing.” She drinks her coffee as heat washes over her skin. “Did I just say that out loud?”
“You did and I love it. We live together, Laina. I like the idea of finding things that work for us,” I assure her as I turn at the light. We decided this weekend to just drive to work together unless there’s a meeting or something for me that will delay me. I plan to leave with her each night as much as I can.
When we park, we both pause for a moment. Walking in together is going to make a statement that we’re a couple, not that the ring hasn’t done that. We’re still playing it down at work and will walk in like any other two people talking, but eyes will be on us and I look over as Laina tucks her hair behind her ear.
“We’ve got this. It’s just a walk into work, Laina. We’re not in high school and I don’t plan on pissing on your leg or anything to claim you.” I joke as she turns to look at me.
“They’re all going to watch us.”
“Yes, they will. But we’re adults and can handle this.” I smile and she nods slowly.
We make it inside, and she tells me to have a good day before heading into her office. No over-the-top kiss goodbye or drama. I wasn’t sure what people were expecting, but I smile as I walk into my office and warm up my computer. It feels so right to me, and I wonder about the future.
I don’t want this to be an act, but how do I tell Laina that?
The week progresses and we make a normal thing out of getting to work together. It’s not an everyday thing if one of us works extra but we’re trying not to work too hard. Well, I’m trying not to work too hard. Now that there’s someone at home, I enjoy being there a lot more.
I haven’t talked to my mom for several days by the time the weekend rolls around. I know it’s because they don’t approve and that’s their choice, but when there’s a knock at the door late Saturday morning, Laina and I share a look.
“Are you expecting anyone?” she asks as she sets her phone down on the table.
“No. I don’t have many people stop by. I guess work has killed my social life.” As I walk to the front door, I joke about it. I’m wearing sleep pants and a fitted t-shirt, and my mom looks embarrassed as I open the door to see her. “Mom?”
“Is that what you wear around your house, Kyle?” she asks as she looks away, as though I’m naked.
“It’s the weekend. I’m not at work.” I tell her as she walks in, pausing when she sees Laina dressed in yoga pants and a t-shirt.
“You’re here,” Mom says in a disappointed voice as Laina shoots me a look.
“She lives here.” I say firmly as my mother turns to look at me. “Did you stop by for a reason?”
“We haven’t seen you in so long, Kyle. You’re my only son.” I hear the sincerity in her voice for the first time and look into her eyes to see that she’s sad.
“If you want me in your life, you need to accept Laina. We’re a package deal and I’m happy, Mom. She’s a good person if you give her a chance.” I make my voice gentle as I talk, not wanting a fight.
“This isn’t how things were supposed to be,” Mom murmured as I arch a brow at her.
“Meaning I’m not with some socialite whose father will help Dad somehow or make the family look good? What does that even matter?” She looks at me in shock. “Laina was there for me when you were too busy for me in Boston. Her mom fed me snacks and even meals sometimes because I got sick of eating with the chef. It was more of a home than ours ever was.”
“I come here to talk and that’s how you treat me?” she asks as Laina stares at me with wide eyes.
“Like I said, we’re a package deal. If you’re going to disrespect that, leave. I don’t want to keep going in this cycle you’re stuck in.” I tell her, staring daggers at my mom.
“Your father handed you your career, Kyle. He worked so hard for you.” She reminds me as her face pales. “What happens if he takes it away?”
“I have a trust fund I haven’t touched and I’m also excellent at my job. That wouldn’t be a smart decision on any level.”
Mom blinks and steps towards the front door. I couldn’t believe this was happening, but I needed to stand up for myself. It already took too long.
She slams the door behind her, and I look at Laina as she presses a hand to her mouth.
“You just let your mom walk out of your house, Kyle,” Laina tells me in shock as I shrug, feeling a wave of emotions.
