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She paused, hoping the flattery would help soften her mother before she continued, “I’m sorry I missed your call. Maybe we can talk on the weekend. We can schedule a weekly call since I’m often busy when you call during the week, and I want to give you my full attention. Love you, Ema. Bye.”
Raina ended the call and curled into Jesse’s side. “Well, that went better than expected.”
Jesse laughed, hugging her. “You expected her to pick up.”
“My point exactly.”
“Was there anyone else you wanted to call? Or can we go back to watching cheesy movies and cuddling?”
“They’re good movies,” Raina argued. “I like romances. Especially the Christmas ones.”
Jesse shook his head, an amused expression on his face. “Oh, Raina, what would your mom say if she found out you secretly like Christmas rom-coms? Are you betraying the sacred Jewish holiday of Hannukah? How dare you.”
Raina looked horrified. Shefelthorrified. “Oh my god, she can never find out.”
“Don’t worry,” Jesse promised. “I won’t tell her.”
Raina smiled up at him. She was so, so grateful he was in her life. “I know you won’t.”
“So can we cuddle now?” Jesse asked hopefully.
“Who knew that Jesse Ashcroft was a secret cuddler?” Raina teased.
“Only with my beautiful girlfriend.”
Raina blushed, like she did every time Jesse complimented her. “We can cuddle for a bit. I have to meet Nicole in the library in half an hour, and then I’ve got to go help cook for Shabbos. And yes, you can come.”
“Yay!” Jesse cheered. “I’m glad you and Nicole are friends now.”
“We’ll never be best friends, but she’s not so bad.” Raina shrugged. She and the other girl still had a lot to work through, but they were trying. Mainly for Jesse’s sake, but they were making an effort either way. “Besides, we have something in common that’s important to both of us.”
Jesse nodded. “I am amazing.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You implied it.”
“Shut up and cuddle me.”
“Gladly,” Jesse declared. “Hey, Raina?
“Yes?” Raina asked, tilting her head up so she could stare into his hazel eyes. They were sparkling, as they were every time Jesse looked at her. Raina didn’t think she’d ever get sick of seeing that sparkle in Jesse’s eyes.
“I just really like you,” Jesse murmured in her ear.
“You do?” Raina twisted a strand of hair around her fingers. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing I really like you, too.”
