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A tension rippled through me. I loved my younger brother, but he was a fuckboy and on top of that, women seemed to love the whole “doctor” idea. He was in placement as of next year and closer in age to Cassidy. And I certainly wasn’t comfortable with this mixed jealousy and protectiveness. She wasn’t mine. I’d made that very clear to even her. She was in town for as long as I was and then that would be that. “Something memorable” she’d said. So why the fuck did I care so much?
“She’s sweet, the little stray you’ve brought in,” my mother said as she began stacking the dry plates on top of one another.
“You’d say that about anyone who compliments your cooking,” I said.
“Not entirely true because everyone likes my cooking. It’s only a select few I’d invite back.”
I smirked. “You’d invite anyone into this home, even if you didn’t like them,” I said honestly. My mother was giving and loving in nature. She’d ensure everyone else was looked after before prioritizing herself. And I could never give back to her or my father what they’d extended out to me over the years. Even when I built the IT company from the ground up to pay them back tenfold for my fuckup with Katia, it never truly replaced what had been taken or those years of stress I’d put them through.
“You like her,” my mother said, staring at my side profile. “I haven’t seen you look at anyone since… that woman.”
I blew out a breath. Katia was not something we’d spoken about for years, and I certainly wasn’t going to relive the past with my mother over how badly and naively I’d fucked up.
“I see the way you two look at each other,” she continued.
“She’s just staying in town for a few weeks, Mom, just like me, that’s it.” I blew out a small, frustrated breath. I was a forty-two-year-old man still getting lectured by his mother. And I didn’t have the heart to tell her that the supposed look she’d seen flash between us was made from us wanting to fuck one another’s brains out, nothing more.
“Out of all my sons, I worry about you the most.”
Frustrated, I placed the plate down. This is why I didn’t come over as often, because every time I did, my mother would voice her concern. “You shouldn’t. I have everything I need. I run a multi-billionaire company, own multiple properties and can provide my family with everything and anything they’d ever need. I’ve achieved my objective and I’m happy.”
“Having money isn’t happiness, Eric.”
I kept my temperament in check. I didn’t care for the money. What I’d wanted was being able to provide for them. I’d vowed I’d never be in a predicament again where I couldn’t supply for my family. They’d never again go through years of stress and loss that I’d forced on them. That was my happiness and redemption.
“And it’s time you start thinking about growing your own family. You’re forty-two, Eric. You have to settle down at some time.”
“Why won’t you believe I’m happy alone?”
“Because I’m your mother and I know when you’re genuinely happy and you, son, have just been going through the motions for so many years now. Just think about it a little. I’m proud of all of you, but I want you to consider being open to the idea of letting someone else in as family, not just us. Your father and I aren’t going to be around forever.”
I grimaced. I hated when she went down this route. No matter how many times I’d suggested they moved to Chicago so I could better look after them, they’d always denied me saying this was their home. That’s why we all came back the same time every year, so Dad could continue his hunting with my uncle until… until he couldn’t anymore.
Thomas bound in with a bowl full of candy. “Are you guys talking about my awesomeness?”
“I can’t believe you’re still eating,” Lori chimed as she walked in behind him. Cassidy was by her side, my disloyal dog on her tail.
“We don’t need to mention your awesomeness you seem plenty capable of reminding us every day,” my mother cooed. “But perfect timing, here.” She threw the hand towel to my brother. “I’m about to find those brothers of yours.”
“I don’t mind drying,” Cassidy insisted.
Lori piped up. “Yea and we have to check out Mom’s engine real fast too, Thomas. Remember?”
“Since when?” he asked, confused. I felt my temple pulse at Lori’s not so subtle mischievous workings.
“Oh yea,” Thomas said slowly. “Cassidy can you help Eric. I’ve got some stuff to do.”
The three left, leaving Cassidy, Shadow, and I in silence. She walked to my side, grabbing the first plate.
“They don’t really have to check your mother’s engine, do they?”
“No.”
Her laugh fluttered through the kitchen and the tension from my conversation with my mother eased.
“Do you think they know?” she whispered quietly, leaning closer toward me.
“Know about what?” I asked, naturally leaning into her, tempted to tuck her under my shoulder, she was so tiny in comparison. I had to hunch over just to wash the dishes, and yet I felt like she somehow was a perfect fit. Or maybe I’d just had blue balls for so long that I was romanticizing shit.
