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“Sorry, mom. I was in the middle of cooking dinner.”
“You must be famished after canceling our lunch at the last minute. I went to the office and was shocked to find out that you weren’t there. I thought I’d surely find you half-dead with the flu or something. But here you are, looking healthy as a horse. That makes me wonder what was more important than lunch with your dear mother.”
I wince at her guilt trip. She’s the queen of guilt trips. I love my mom, but she’s a meddler. The last thing I want is for her to stick her nose into mine and Winter's relationship when we’re so new. I need to get her out of here before she sees her.
“I’m sorry for canceling. I did mention rescheduling. Besides, we will see each other in a couple days for Christmas.”
She scoffs. “You think the fact that we will see each other in a few days is any excuse for canceling?”
“I had something that needed my attention today.”
She turns her nose up and marches through to the kitchen. She takes in the two plates and wine glasses I’ve set out on the counter and looks at me with a raised brow.
“Did this something that needed your attention happen to be a woman?” she asks.
I run a hand down my face and sigh in exasperation. “Yes, mom. It’s a woman.”
“Who is she? Where did you meet her? Why am I just now finding out about her? How long has this been going on?” Her questions are rapid-fire, not giving me a second to respond.
“Her name is Winter, and we met a couple nights ago.” I leave out that we met at a bar because I don’t want that to cloud my mom’s opinion. I won’t take the chance of her assuming this is a fling.
“So you ditched your mom for a woman you’ve only known a few days?”
“It’s not like that?—”
Before I can explain, Winter walks in wearing only my discarded t-shirt. She looks like freshly fucked sin, and if my mom wasn’t here cockblocking me, I would bend her over the counter and fuck her all over again. Her eyes roam over my naked chest, and I can see the same desire reflected in her. She walks straight into my arms with a smile. I hug her close, loving that she craves my touch.
My mom clears her throat, making Winter jump in my arms. Her eyes go wide when she sees my mom standing there with her arms crossed and brow furrowed. Winter pulls away, and I grumble, then tuck her into my side where she belongs.
“Mom, this is Winter. Winter, meet my mother, Claire.”
Winter shifts uncomfortably but bravely holds her hand out to my mom for her to shake. My mom narrows her eyes for a moment, then, using Winter’s outstretched hand, pulls her into a hug. Winter squeaks at the sudden move, standing stiffly in my mom’s arms. She slowly relaxes and returns the hug.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Having the two women who mean the most to me accepting each other is essential. Even though my mom drives me crazy, I love her to pieces. From what I know of Winter, I have the feeling that she needs more people who love her in her life. Hopefully, my mom will be one of those people. Her warm welcome is a positive sign.
“Nice to meet you, sweetheart.”
My mom puts Winter at arm’s length away and looks her over. Winter fidgets, pulling down my t-shirt even though it practically reaches her knees. I’m sure she’s embarrassed at meeting my mom without pants on, but she doesn’t need to be. I can already tell my mom has accepted her. Whether she realizes it or not, she’s part of the family.
“You’re beautiful. Good job, son. She’s a keeper.”
Winter’s cheeks turn bright pink, making my mom laugh. I pull her out of my mom’s hold and tuck her back into my side. I need her close.
“It’s a good thing I plan to keep her then,” I say, pressing a kiss to the top of Winter’s head.
She buries her face against me, trying to hide her embarrassment.
“No need to be shy, Winter. We’re going to be great friends, you’ll see. Well, now that I know my son wasn’t blowing me off for no good reason, I’ll get out of here. It was lovely to meet you. I look forward to seeing you in a few days.”
My mom leaves as quick as she came. I’m a little surprised she didn’t invite herself to dinner, but I have a feeling she wants to make sure Winter sticks, and the only way that can happen is if we spend time together. She’s been hinting at giving her grandbabies for years, and I’m sure she’s seeing baby booties dancing in her head.
“What does she mean she’ll see me in a few days?” Winter asks.
“That was her way of inviting you to Christmas at her house.”
Winter’s eyes go big, and her face pales. “C-christmas? I can’t go to your family's Christmas celebration. I’m not family.”
Oh, hell no.
