Page 30 of Fifty
Fuck. I was just trying to have a little fun with her, but the way her shoulders just hunched forward tells me she thinks I’m being serious.
“Turn around, sweetheart,” I request.
She turns slowly but her eyes stay locked on the floor. I lift my hand, gently touching her chin and lifting her face to meet mine. The glassy coating shining up at me is like a punch in the gut.
“I was talking to my mom,” I share, tipping my head and offering an easy smile. “I’m sorry, I was just teasing,” I add.
“Really?” her soft question falls out and I give a nod.
“Really,” I answer definitively as I wrap my arms around her. Her head drops to my shoulder and I feel her body relax into mine.
“So, do you still want to get dinner? I need to figure out what to wear,” her voice is muffled against my chest.
“Actually, my mom invited me over for dinner. I was hoping you might want to come with me?” I tell her, finally sharing my real plans for tonight. I hear her sharp intake of breath and her body tenses again.
“Really?” she repeats her question from just minutes earlier.
“Well, yeah. But you don’t have to, if you don’t want,” I offer her an out.
“No,” her head snaps up. “I want to, if you’re sure,” a smile forms on her lips.
“I’m positive,” I breathe out as my heart races, thumping steadily against my ribcage.
???
“Bennie, is that you?” Ma’s voice calls from the kitchen as I hold the door open for Jade to step into my childhood home.
“Yeah, Ma,” I holler back.
“I heard your bike, so I’m guessing you didn’t bring any laundry with you this time,” she observes as she appears in the open door frame. Her eyes instantly go wide when she notices that I’m not alone.
“Nope, no laundry tonight. I brought something better,” I grin back.
“I can see that,” she breathes out stepping closer.
“Ma, this is Jade. Jade, this is my mom, Penny,” I offer a simple introduction.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” Jade smiles brightly beside me.
“Darlin’, you have no idea how nice it is to meet you,” Ma returns, a sparkle glowing in her eyes as she stares at Jade like she might disappear if she looks away. “Oh, I made Shepard’s pie, I hope that’s okay. It’s got another ten minutes or so to cook. Can I get you a drink? I’ve got lemonade or sweet tea, or water, of course,” Ma starts rambling.
“Shepard’s pie sounds delicious. And I’d love a glass of sweet tea,” Jade answers. Ma nods her head excitedly and turns quickly, heading back into the kitchen.
“I’ll help you,” I offer. “Take a seat and make yourself comfortable,” I tell Jade pressing a soft kiss to her temple before following behind Ma.
“So?” I raise my eyebrows, waiting for her to say something now that we’re alone.
“Honestly, you really surprised me this time,” her eyes shine up at me. “And I know I’ve only just met her, but she seems like a sweet little thing,” she adds with a smile.
“Oh, she is,” I answer.
???
I sit back, listening to and enjoying the sound of the two of them talking. Jade and my mom have been chatting and laughing together since we sat down and Ma found out that Jade is working at Gloria’s. A deep warmth spreads through my chest as their voices ring around me. I honestly think I could sit here listening to them all night.
“Please let me help you with the dishes,” Jade offers as they both stand from the table.
I watch as she lifts her plate and then reaches for mine, stacking them easily. Ma picks up the casserole dish and disappears through the kitchen door.