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It’s been a week since I left Noah asleep on a fluffy rug in his childhood room. It felt so good to hold him for an hour. My mind swims with memories of me brushing my fingers through his hair, whispering to him, wanting him to know that I feel the same way. I’ve never felt a connection so strong, and I think it may have been just a wrong moment for us to meet. I know, deep down, that he is my person.
I call Corey on the phone and gossip to him all about my afternoon at Marko’s house, skipping the part where I almost came riding Noah’s tongue. He is happy to hear that I felt accepted and loved by my new family. I had a cup of coffee with Jensen only, since Tia had already left because her boyfriend was angry when he got home from the boys trip and found no lunch made.What an asshole.
Corey’s mood drastically falls once I start telling him about all of the concerns Jensen raised in me whilst talking about my mother. He asked a lot of stuff about my mom, like if I knew her previous partners, how old they were, if she was ever touchy with my friends. My head was blaring with alarms. And I couldn't say why he asked, but I already had some ideas in my head. I wasn’t going to push, he was already uncomfortable enough.
“And you really said nothing?” Corey interrupts me, some strange tone takes over his voice.
“What was I supposed to say, Corey? He seemed really uncomfortable as it was.”
“I understand. He sounds like a good kid, though.”
“He is! And he isjacked. I think that dude sleeps at the gym. I should ask for a meal plan.”
Corey laughs at my words.
“Anyway, when I was leaving, Marko told me I was welcome in his house anytime, but my mother added ‘only if I cover my ruined limbs’ in my ear, when she hugged me goodbye.” I say, mocking her voice, “I feel like this woman keeps forgetting all of Marko’s children are tattooed too. Even Jensen at barely eighteen.”
“Rory, fuck her. And fuck her opinion.”
“You’re saying that only because I am your walking, talking billboard!” We chuckle in unison. ”And Noah hasn’t called, nor texted, but I am not discouraged by it. It must have been too much for him, seeing me out of the blue after two years.” Shame creeps up my cheeks. “I don’t want to push him either, since I wouldn't like to be pushed if the roles were reversed. I hope he gives me a chance though.”
“A chance for what?” he teases.
“A chance to be his friend, you idiot.” I can basically hear him rolling his eyes, since he knows damn well I have feelings for this man.
“You do what you think is right. I gotta go, I have a customer waiting. Love you, babes! Bye.”
He clicks the call off before I have the chance to tell him I love him back.
Just as I lean back into my sofa, wrap my body in a fluffy comforter and open up a copy of my favorite spicy book, my phone chimes with a message. My heart beats out of my chest, hoping it’s Noah.
It’s not. It’s my mother.
She wants us to meet for dinner today, as if I needed one more round of her nagging about my life, weight, hair, tattoos - you name it. August has just started, and I already can’t take it.
I put bright makeup on and curl my hair. The only thing left to do is pick an outfit. I’m kind of under the weather today, so I might actually go with that in my mind. Deep blue oversized tee, black mom jeans, high waisted enough to hide my big ol’ tummy and my low rise Doc’s. Good enough for a dinner with a raging bitch, or to teach an English class.
***
I’m standing in front ofThe Pastino’s Diner. The atmosphere seems cozy and warm, there’s a lot of people inside, which must mean the food is good. The garden is right next to the sidewalk, but it’s gorgeous, nonetheless. It has a bunch of string lights and candles all around.
My mother waves at me from one of the garden tables, and I’m seriously thinking of pretending I didn’t just see her and leaving. She waves again before calling me by my name, and there goes my plan.
“Hi, mom.”
“Hello, Ronan.” She gets up to pat my shoulder, immediately wiping her palm against the table cloth, as if I have scabies or something.
“Are you sure you want to sit outside?” I ask.
“Yes, we won’t be long. I already ordered. Half a portion of pasta carbonara for me, and a small salad for you.” She looks me up and down with disgust, “Not that you need anything else, you’ve had enough, I can see.”
“Always a pleasure to see you, mom.”
“At least you covered most of the damage you’ve done to your body.”
“I did it just for you, Christine.” I roll my eyes as my stomach growls. How stupid of me not to eat before seeing her.
“Do you have something to tell me, Ronan?” Her eyebrow lifts.
