Chapter Seven

 

I looked down at my cell phone.

I had no clue what her hours were like, but I’d been itching to text her all day.

Hey.

It was nice and simple. Not needy, and if she didn’t reply right away, it didn’t matter. Breathing deeply, I turned my attention back to work. I was lucky to work for a company that connected freelancers to those who would hire them. More and more these days, people were taking it upon themselves to find their own clients, and I’d seen it work well for people, but when I got offered this job, I wanted to see what it would be like.

My phone buzzed.

I looked down at it, and my heart did a backflip.

How’s it going?

I typed out my reply quickly.

Not bad. You?

I set the phone up beside my laptop and stared at the screen. I should have been working while I waited for her to reply, but I couldn’t.

Blah :/ In class. It’s boring. People suck. Friends suck. I hate everyone right now—err, except you.

I grinned, grabbing my phone, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I thought about what to say next.

Glad you don’t hate me ;) Want me to pick you up after school today? Could use a break from work. We could grab dinner, or something else. I don’t know if you noticed, I have a pool at my place.

I set my phone down, but it was less than a minute before I got a reply.

You sure that wouldn’t be taking you away from work? I’d love it if you could pick me up, but I don’t want to be a hassle. And yes, I did notice that pool ;)

I texted back, promising her I didn’t mind picking her up. The truth was, I’d missed her all day, and was eager to hang out with her; if that meant picking her up, even better. I liked the idea of picking her up from school. It felt … good. Like I was taking care of her or something.

I knew the relationship was moving faster than most did, between the traveling and her meeting my mom this week. And me suddenly picking her up from work. I was sure if the media got wind of it, they’d have a hay day, but I’d stopped caring about that crap ages ago. I just have to be careful with her.

It could easily fuck her up if the media got to her.

I didn’t want to damage her like that; she was still young. I needed to be careful with her.

I couldn’t help wondering if the whole thing was a bad idea. She was young, and I did have to be careful—in more ways than one.

 

I can’t deny it. I loved the fact he was picking me up from school.

I waited outside in the parking lot, knowing people were staring at me. I didn’t care. I just kept my eyes on my phone and waited for Aron to pull up.

I didn’t recognize his car today; it was one I hadn’t seen. A black BMW. Just because I hadn’t seen it before didn’t mean I wasn’t sure it was him the second I saw it—I mean, how many people could afford something like that? I inhaled deeply as I looked at the curves.

The door popped open for me, and I slipped into the passenger side seat. “Could you have picked a flashier car?” I asked, grinning.

“Yes. Would you have gathered I do that?”

I laughed loudly. “No, I think this one is flashy enough.”

He grinned. “How was your day?”

“Long.”

I stared out the window as he pulled out of the parking lot, people still staring at the car.

“It sucked. Rebecca didn’t want to talk to me, John’s hurt, Sarah wants to be my friend and everyone kept looking at me, and whispering—but not quietly enough. But I met this girl, Kim. She was nice.”

Aron reached out and took my hand in his. He squeezed gently.

“Who is John?”

My brow furrowed. “Really?” That was his concern.

“I’m just wondering. Is he an ex?” I could tell he was trying to control his reaction.

I couldn’t help smiling. “No. But he has a bit of a crush on me, which I have never returned.”

We didn’t say anything else on the way back to my place where he dropped me off. My brow furrowed; was I just supposed to get out of the car and we were going to pretend this never happened?

I turned to him. For a couple seconds, he refused to meet my gaze.

“My mother is excited about lunch.”

“Good.”

I wasn’t. I was nervous as fuck. But I didn’t dare say that out loud. I didn’t want him to think I was reconsidering going to lunch with him. I bit my lip.

“Well … I guess I’ll see you then.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“Thanks.” I leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you then.”

 

We didn’t talk much until Friday when he came to pick me up. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with John or if it was because he was busy. Whenever we did talk, he said he was busy. I didn’t mind that we weren’t talking. I knew I should have, but I didn’t. I mean, I had homework and work to deal with; I didn’t have much time for being upset that he wasn’t rushing over to see me—and in his defense, it’s not like I was rushing over to see him, and I damn well could have.

When Friday rolled around, I let myself sleep in, knowing full well that I was going to need the energy between meeting Aron’s mom and the flight. My stomach grumbled.

Not because it was hungry, but because for a split second I thought I might be sick. I took a deep breath and forced myself out of bed, heading for the bathroom.

My fingers curled around the tap of the tub, and I set the temperature to the perfect heat before flicking the shower on. I allowed it to heat up as I slipped out of my clothing.

Once inside the shower, I allowed the hot water to rush over my body. I closed my eyes, trying to ease my nerves. It’s going to be fine, I promised myself, not that I knew if it was the truth or not. I’ll be fine. She’ll be nice, and she won’t be mean to me or anything like that. I’m not in the middle of some RomCom. I’d be able to handle this. I knew I would … well, actually, I didn’t have much other choice, now did I?

If I wanted to stay with Aron, I’d have to have lunch with his mom and make her at least sort of like me, or worst comes to worst, conduct myself in a mature way that showed I was better than her if she was going to be rude to me.

I washed my hair before getting out and toweling myself off, glancing over at the clock, a grin spreading over my face. By this time most days I’d be at work or school or already been up for five or six hours.

I dressed quickly, going for flared jean and a blouse. Casual, but still nice looking. I dried my hair and curled it before applying a small amount of makeup.

I packed my bag for the weekend and looked around my empty apartment. It was home, and I knew in a way I’d be happy to come back to it, but I was thrilled to be going to New York. Maybe I’ll buy a blanket or something.

Glancing again at the clock I headed to my computer. There was still an hour and a half until Aron was going to come pick me up, which meant I could get some work done before then.

 

“Are you ready for this?”

“I’m not sure,” I admitted, knowing I was going to go through with it either way.

We came to a stop in front of a restaurant I’d heard of before. It was some French place, somewhere that I’d never be able to afford. I swallowed dryly. I’d wanted to pay for dinner today. I bit my lip. I could use my credit card. I didn’t use it very often and made sure to keep it paid off so I would be able to use it. Yes, I thought. That would be worth it. I didn’t want Aron’s mom to think that I was with him just for his money, which I’m sure a lot of people thought. I wanted to prove that I actually really liked him, and that money had nothing to do with it.

“Before we go in there …” I mulled it over.

“Don’t want to bail, do you?”

“No!” I said quickly. “I just … I’d like to get lunch, on me. I don’t want your mom to think …”

His brow furrowed. “Fine, but I’ll pay you back for it, alright?”

“It’s fine.” I smiled.

He held up his hand to silence me. “I’ll pay you back.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could say a word, he was out of the car.

Dick move, I thought, but I didn’t say it out loud. I slipped out of the car quickly.

“Oh, that’s her there.” He pointed towards a cab.

In and out.

I tried to keep my heart from exploding, despite how nervous I was.

“Is there anything you can give me? Any tips?”

“Just be yourself.”

Aron made his way over to the cab as the door opened.

She got out wearing parade heels, and I’m pretty sure her entire outfit cost me more than six months’ worth of rent. She gave her son a hug, and he said something to her. She nodded and smiled as he pulled away and held his arm out for her. She took it, and they came towards me.

“It’ll be fine,” I muttered to myself before plastering a smile over my face, hoping it would hide how nervous I was about meeting Aron’s mom.

Unlike my mom, she had gray hair that curled perfectly. She wore a black leather coat that fit her wonderfully, and a blue shirt and skirt that matched.

Her makeup was well done, and even though you could tell she wore foundation, it didn’t look caked on. A smile spread over her bright red lips.

“You must be Melina.” She held her hand out to me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, I holding my hand out to her.

Despite her age, she had a firm handshake, which surprised me. “The pleasure is all mine. I’m Betsy, Aron’s mother.”

“Why don’t we go sit down and then we can chat more.” Aron cleared his throat; clearly he was nervous.

I tried not to read into it too much, but I couldn’t help wondering if it was because of me. Not because he brought a girl home to meet his mom, but because he brought a 23-year-old one home to meet his mom. I didn’t dare ask, even if we had been alone, I wouldn’t have. I didn’t want the answer.

I pulled the door open for the two of them and allowed them to enter the restaurant first. I followed, and we were quickly guided to a table.

“How are you doing, Mr. Brooks? And you, Miss Brooks?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Aron answered.

“Getting older by the day,” Betsy answered, but she smiled widely as if it was some kind of joke.

The girl turned to me, giving me a smile.

“Ma’am.”

I gave her a nod, muttering a small “Hi” before she walked away, promising to be right back.

Aron and his mom sat together, and I slid into the other side of the bench.

Betsy regarded me with a bland look.

“So, what’s your deal?”

She took me off guard, and I was sure the look on my face admitted that.

“Mom!” Aron protested.

“Oh relax,” She waved her hand in the air, dismissing him. “it wasn’t meant in a bad way. I just want to know what her deal is.”

“I … I’m in college.” I tried to figure out what I was supposed to say.

“What are you studying?” She seemed impressed.

“Computer science and psychology.”

She nodded. “You’ll be going into the same line of work as Aron?”

I hope so. I nodded. “That’s the plan, as long as things work out, and I decide I am cut out for it.” I had to admit I was nervous I wouldn’t be.

“I’ve seen some of her work; it’s actually quite good, considering her level of education,” Aron cut in. I blushed.

Betsy’s eyes sparkled. “Quit trying to save your girlfriend; she’s not under the firing squad.” Her thin lips curved up into a smile as the waitress came back, placing water and menus down in front of us.

“Could I get a tea, my dear?”

“Of course, ma’am.” The waitress smiled widely. “I’ll be back with that in a jiffy.”

Betsy nodded as the girl walked away. Then she turned her attention back to me.

“Do you work?”

“I’m a waitress,” I admitted, unsure if that would win me points.

Betsy nodded slowly.

I wasn’t sure if she approved or not. The look on her face was blank, and I didn’t like that. I took a small breath, trying to figure out what I could say to make it sound better.

“At least, you work,” she said. “I know a lot of college students these days don’t.”

“I’d like to get my student debt paid off as quickly as I can. If that means putting in some extra work right now so I can pay less down the road, it’s worth it to me.”

That got a smile from her.

“Still, waitressing sucks.” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s a pain in the ass job.”

“Mom,” Aron hissed. “Language.”

Betsy’s eyes twinkled. She shrugged. “Like the girl hasn’t heard worse.”

“It’s not Mel I’m worried about ...” My heart skipped a beat. This was the first time he’d ever shortened my name. “It’s the rest of the place.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll be good.” She shot me a look and a wink.

I grinned broadly. I was beginning to like Aron’s mom. And as we talked more, my nerves started to go away.

We stopped talking just long enough to decide what we wanted to eat, all of us choosing the Poutine. And as soon as the waitress left, I rounded on Aron’s mother.

“So, what was Aron like growing up?”

Aron groaned. “Not this topic. Anything but this.”

Betsy laughed softly. “I wish I could tell you all the dirty details, but the truth is, he was a really good kid. Even as a baby, he hardly cried. He was always polite; he was always nice. He never got involved in anything bad. Except his rock band.”

I saw Aron’s cheeks flush.

“Aron was in a band?”

“It wasn’t rock,” he muttered. “It was heavy metal … well, more hair metal.”

I barked out a laugh. “Oh, please tell me you have pictures of that.” I glanced over at Aron’s mother.

“Of course, I do.” Her eyes shone. “I wasn’t going to let him live that down. She reached out and touched her son’s shoulder. “But the truth is, he’s the best son a mother could have asked for.” She gave him a soft smile.

“You’re not so bad as a mother.” He shot his mother a broad grin, but it was the loving look in his eyes that made my heart melt.

Wow. I wonder if I’ll ever have a kid who looks at me like that.

“Are you close with your family?” Betsy asked, turning her attention back to me.

“Yes. It’s a little hard to talk as often as we’d all like, due to our conflicting schedules, and how much I work, but we try to stay in touch weekly.”

“So they know you’re dating my son?”

We fell silent as our meal came to us. “Thank you.” I gave the waitress a smile as I looked down at the bowl of fries with cheese and gravy. My mouth started water.

“Um, yes.” They did know, although I hadn’t told them. I decided not to include that part.

“And, how do they feel about it?” I opened my mouth to say something, but I was speechless, again my face must have shown how shocked I was. Betsy gave me a soft smile. “Sweetie, you’re in college, not to mention you look young. I’m guessing it’s not Botox,” My cheeks flushed. “It’s not so crazy to assume you’re younger than Aron, quite a bit younger.”

I could see Aron was not impressed. His cheeks were bright pink, and I was left to answer his mother.

I cleared my throat. “Honestly, I’m not sure how they feel.” I didn’t see any point in lying about it. “We haven’t actually gotten together so Aron can meet them, and my mother and I haven’t talked much recently. My dad hates anything to do with phones, so I don’t talk to him much.” I gave them a weak smile. “But my family always told me they’d support me in whatever I wanted, so I’m confident they will support me, long enough to get to know what an amazing guy Aron is. And once they realize how amazing he is, I don’t think they will even think about the age gap.”

I was just hoping they didn’t figure out how big the age gap was. It really would be best for me overall if they didn’t.

It shouldn’t be a big deal, I told myself, but I knew it was a lie. I knew if my dad figured out Aron was close to his age, it would be a big deal. I mean, he was almost old enough to be my dad.

I knew that would be a big deal.

“I hope so.” Betsy gave me a smile, and it seemed genuine.

 

After we finished dinner, I paid, which I think surprised her, and we got ready to go. We had the waitress call a cab for Betsy, and Aron excused himself as his mother and I made our way outside to wait for his cab.

“He never lets me pay,” she remarked as soon as we were outside.

“He wants to take care of you, I’m sure. I mean, you probably took care of him for a long time.”

“He does take care of me. Even more so since his father passed away.” My heart dropped. I hadn’t realized Aron’s dad was dead.

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”

She shrugged, but I saw the hurt in her eyes. “It was for the best.”

It sounded like she had gotten used to saying that.

“Anyways,” she cleared her throat. “Aron does a wonderful job trying to take care of me. He’s been paying for me to stay in a very nice retirement home, and he takes me out to lunch every week …I just wish he’d let me take care of him every now and then still.”

“I know what you mean.” I nodded.

I could relate to her. Aron wanted to take care of everything. He wanted to get the bill all the time and make sure I was taken care of, and we’d hadn’t been together all that long. I couldn’t imagine what he was like with his mom.

“Oh, looks like that’s for me,” she said as a cab pulled up to the street. I walked over to it and opened the door for her.

She slid into the car, then looked up at me. “Be careful with my son.”

I wasn’t sure if it was a threat, but it damn well felt like it.

“I will be,” I promised her.

She gave me a nod and that was that. She closed the door, and the cab took off.

I waved her off before heading back to the car.

“Is she gone already?”

“Yes.”

Aron sounded disappointed. “Oh. Well, I guess we’ve got a little time before heading to the airport. Do you want to stop and grab your bags?”

“Yes.” I nodded and fell into step with Aron, and we made our way back to the car. I couldn’t help thinking about what his mother had said. I didn’t want to hurt Aron, but was I being careful with him? We hadn’t even had any major talks. I wasn’t stupid; I knew we had to get on the same page about this.

But isn’t it too soon?

I wanted to agree with myself. I wanted to say that it was too soon, but we were moving so fast as it was. I wasn’t sure if it was too soon.

I slid into the car and stared out the window.

“So, did you have a good time?” He sounded nervous.

“Your mom is really nice.”

“So she has you fooled.” Aron teased.

“Do you think she liked me?”

“I do.”

Those two words thrilled me. I couldn’t even put into words how happy it made me that his mother liked me. I’d always been able to win people over pretty easily, but that didn’t mean I didn’t get nervous about doing it. After all, the woman I had just met could potentially be my mother in law; I wanted to make sure she liked me. And if she hadn’t? I wasn’t sure. I might have even considered breaking things off with Aron.

“She got into the cab alright, right?” Aron’s voice brought me back to reality. “I mean, you made sure she was alright. Right?”

“Yes.”

“Alright.”

I smiled, it was really nice to see how much his mom meant to him. I reached out and took his hand in mine.

“You never told me your dad passed away.”

Aron shrugged. “Not a big deal.”

I opened my mouth to disagree with him but closed it before I said anything. It wasn’t my place to tell him what he should and shouldn’t tell me.

My fingers tightened around his hand lightly as we turned onto my street and came to a stop at my building.

He left the car running as I unbuckled myself and stepped out of the car, giving him a quick smile before closing the door behind me and heading for the building as fast as I could without running.

I made my way up to my apartment and froze. My jaw dropped as I saw Sarah standing there.

“Oh hey!” she exclaimed. “I was hoping I’d catch you. I know you said you were busy, but I thought that was probably just so Becca’s couldn’t join us.” She looked so excited.

“I … I’m sorry; I really did mean that I’m not going to be free this weekend.” I stepped past her into my apartment.

“You did?” She sounded so disappointed. My stomach turned. She only wants to hang out with you because of Aron, I reminded myself as I padded into the bedroom and grabbed my overstuffed backpack.

This was going to be my first time flying, and I was beyond nervous that I’d packed something that wouldn’t be allowed, despite the fact that I’d checked a couple dozen times.

“Yea, I’m sorry. But maybe some other time,” I said grabbing the bag.

“Oh, you’re going away for the weekend?”

“Yup.”

“With your new boyfriend?” She raised an eyebrow. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as I nodded, not giving up anything else but that.

“Anyways, I’ve got to get going. He’s waiting for me downstairs.” I headed for the door without another word.

“Oh, right! Of course.” She beamed as she followed me.

“We’re actually running a little late; I’m sure you understand,” I lied because I didn’t want her to try and meet him. Actually, to be honest, I didn’t want her anywhere near my boyfriend. Anyways, someone like that wouldn’t be his type, I told myself, and I hate to admit it but it made me feel better.

Sarah talked the entire time we made our way out of the building, and then she said goodbye, pulling me into a hug that I did not return.

I pulled away as soon as I was able and hurried for the car as fast as I could. Opening the door, I tossed my backpack into the back seat and slid in.

“Who was that?”

“Sarah. And no, she’s not my friend. But she wants to be now that I’m dating you.”

“Oh.” He honestly sounded disgusted as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“She’s Rebecca’s roommate; she’s always hated me … I’m not really sure why, but now all of a sudden she wants to hang out and be, like, besties or something.” I shivered at the idea.

“Sounds like a crappy person to consider a best friend.”

I bit my lip. It did, but I always thought Rebecca would be a wonderful friend, forever and always. Turns out that wasn’t what it was like. Maybe I should give Sarah a shot. I mean, I don’t know what she’s like until I get to know her.

My brow furrowed. I knew it was a stupid idea. I knew that I didn’t need to get to know her any more than I already had to know that she wouldn’t be a good friend. She’d use me in any way she could and then she’d be done with me, probably the second Aron and I ended our relationship.

“How much do you spend on rent?”

“What? Um, like $900 a month. Why?”

“I just wondered … I was thinking … it might save you money if you got a roommate, or well … I guess I’d be the one getting the roommate.”

I stared at Aron with wide eyes. Had he just asked me to move in with him?

I opened my mouth to ask, but I couldn’t bring myself to. If he hadn’t meant that, I’d just look stupid.

“I mean,” he said quickly. “I just thought … it would save a little. And you …”

“It would,” I agreed.

“I get it; it’s too soon.”

I didn’t dare look at him; he sounded so hurt.

“It’s just … we haven’t even had any of the ‘important’ conversations. We don’t even know what the other person is like. We … we don’t know if there is any point in this relationship.” There was no point in beating around the bush, that was the truth.

“So, what do you want to know?”

My mind raced. I didn’t think we were going to do this right now.

“Kids,” I said, quickly.

“No,” he answered just as quickly. One word, but it was final.

I paused, thinking about that. No, but was that a deal breaker for me? I hadn’t thought about if I wanted kids, not really. I mean, I wouldn’t hate it but …

“What about you?”

“Not for the next few years at least, maybe in my 30s. But I want to get my career going. I … I don’t have any interest in having a family right now.”

“And marriage?”

“Doesn’t matter to me.” I shrugged. “I know it does for a lot of people, but I don’t need a piece of paper to say I love someone. Where do you stand on it?”

Aron shrugged. “I haven’t thought about that in a long time.”

 

I hadn’t thought about it since Becky and I were together, which had been years ago. We thought we were going to get married and have a family, turns out she wasn’t a huge fan of the long hours that I worked. She was, however, a fan of the money I made her. She wanted to get a joint account. When I refused, she left me, after a long rant about how I was a dreadful man, and of course, after stealing my credit card and racking it up in less than a day.

I chewed the inside of my cheek as I mulled it over. “But if I met the right person, I’d want to marry her.”

I hadn’t met many men who didn’t want to have a family; kids were a no go for me, but the idea of having a wife, someone with my last name who I’d spend the rest of my life with, was appealing to me.

“Debt?” she asked. I shook my head.

“You?”

“A lot,” she admitted. “Student loans. No other debt.”

At least it was good debt, but still the idea of potentially taking on her debt wasn’t comforting. We turned onto the road that led to the airport and fell silent. I wasn’t sure what else we were supposed to talk about.

Had it been crazy of me to suggest that she move in with me? Yes. But that didn’t mean it was a bad thing, did it?

The idea of her living with me was more than exciting to me. It made me want to go home right then and there and redecorate to her taste. I loved the idea of us picking out furniture together.

What’s Mom going to think? I wondered. Did it really matter? What would her parents think?

Here I was, this older man, and she’d be living with me—not just dating me.

As much as I hated admitting it, even to myself, it was beginning to look like I needed to meet her parents sooner rather than later.

The sooner they meet me, the sooner they can decide if they hate me or not. And the sooner they got to know me, the more likely it would be that they’d be okay with her moving in with me.

When it came down to it, it wasn’t their choice, but having them support her choice was never a bad thing.

We pulled into the airport, and I parked at the back before shutting the engine off and slipping the keys into my pocket.

 

He acted like he’d done this billions of times. And maybe he had, I wasn’t sure. I was nervous, but he didn’t seem to show any signs of nervousness.

Aron led the way around the airport, making sure we had everything we needed. I took a deep breath and tried not to let my nervousness get the better of me. I caught him looking at me from the corner of his eye.

“First time?”

I nodded. “Was it that obvious?”

“Yea,” he confirmed. He reached out and took my hand. “Don’t worry; I’ll make sure you get through this just fine.”

His promise made me feel better, and in no time we were past security and waiting to board our flight.