Chapter 37
So now, I’m doing the walk of shame across my back lawn, my thigh-highs sinking deep into the slushy earth with each step.
I can't believe I almost told Keeland I have feelings for him. Actually, I can't believe that I have feelings for him. Obviously didn't learn my lesson the first time he hurt me.
But that deer in the headlights look he gave me just before I spilled my heart out to him told me everything I need to know; I'm doing this crazy-in-love dance all on my own. He doesn't feel the same. He wants ‘casual’. It's what we agreed on.
I sigh heavily as I pull my keys from the bottom of my purse and unlock the door. The scent of ginger-chamomile hits me as soon as I step inside and a familiar pair of L.L. Bean women’s snow boots sit at the front door.
Oh shit…
“Mom?”
I hear footsteps slapping across the hardwood floor and seconds later, my mother appears in the kitchen, her silk robe draped over her favorite floral pajamas.
“Mom!” A stunned smile spreads across my face as I intercept her in the middle of the hallway.
“Honey, there you are. I was starting to get worried.” She hugs me close to her chest and I can hear the smile in her lyrical voice.
I squeeze her back. “What are you doing here?”
She holds me at arm’s length and evaluates me in that way that mothers do. “I came in for a surprise visit. I missed you guys and I want to see my grandson.”
“Ah — there it is — the truth. You came to see Mr. Pooh.” I chuckle as I head over to the coffee machine and get a fresh pot started.
My mother laughs too as she pulls out a chair and sits, watching me move around the kitchen. “Yes, I showed up last night and no one was at Daniel’s house. Then, I came here and you were out as well. Good thing I have my key.”
Suddenly, I begin to panic. My heart is racing as I turn to face my mother. “Wait — is dad here, too?” My father would flip out if he knew that Keeland was staying next door.
She shakes her head. “No. He’s recently picked up golf. I can hardly pull him off the damn golf course.”
I laugh. “Daddy playing golf? I just can’t see that.” My dad is blue collar through and through. A former automotive plant manager. A hard worker. I can’t imagine him spending his days riding around on a golf cart and chasing a little white ball around the green.
My mother smiles. “Well, believe it or not, your father’s a golfer now.”
I turn back to the coffee. “Why didn’t you call when you got here?”
“My cellphone was dead.”
“Oh, well we all went out to Flynn and Murray’s last night. Daniel’s neighbor was watching Sebastian.”
She gives me a suspicious look. “You didn’t come home, though. Where were you?”
I feel a knot in the pit of my stomach. “Uh…”
And that’s when the back door slides open and Keeland steps inside in all his disheveled, bed-headed glory.
He gapes at my mother. “Mrs. Trotten?”
Her hand slips over her mouth to stifle a gasp. “Keeland?”
He kicks off his shoes and goes over to her, extending his arms for a hug.
My mother eases out of her chair and gives Keeland a tight squeeze. He kisses her on the cheek. “My goodness, look at you, sweetheart.” She tips her head back to get a good look at him. “You're all grown up."
Keeland's face takes on a shy, boyish quality. “Yes, ma’am.”
My mother’s eyes hold all the affection of a proud parent. “Look how handsome you are,” she beams, clutching her hands over her heart.
“You look pretty good yourself, ma’am.”
She slaps his shoulder, blushing. “Oh, stop it. You’ll make me get a big head.” They both laugh. And then she says. “When did you come back to town?”
“I’ve been here a few weeks. Daniel and Sammie didn’t tell you?” Keeland glares at me before focusing on my mother. “I’m renting the house next door.”
Her eyes bulge. “No, they didn’t tell us.” Now, she’s glaring at me, too. “But that’s so lovely dear.” Her attention is on him again.
I quickly turn away from them and busy myself emptying the dishwasher. Keeland takes a seat opposite my mother and updates her on Jane’s new interests and his futile attempts to get Maxwell to visit Reyfield. I listen quietly, lingering discreetly in the background. They talk for nearly an hour before Keeland excuses himself to go run errands in town.
When he walks out the door, my mother sighs wistfully and says. “It’s so sweet that you and Keeland are picking up where you left off all those years ago. You two must be so busy making up for lost time.”
I nearly drop the silverware that I’m clutching in my hand. “Mom — me and Keeland are just friends,” I say, defensively.
She chuckles softly. “Samantha, please don’t insult my intelligence. Your car’s been parked in the driveway all night, covered in snow. You show up here all rosy-cheeked and flustered at 6:00 in the morning and Keeland is hot on your heels looking like he had a long night. I wasn’t born yesterday.” My cheeks blush hotly while my mother takes a long sip of her tea then says, “You two are adults. Just play safe, okay?”
I feel the urge to defend myself, to try and save face. But she’s my mother; she always knows when I’m bullshitting her, so why even try? “Sure, mom,” I say feeling embarrassed and annoyed.
She comes over to me and pats me affectionately on the cheek. “It’s okay to give up control and just go with the flow sometimes, Samantha. It’s okay to let yourself get swept off your feet. Keeland is a very charming young man and you’re a beautiful woman. I can see how you two would want to spend time together.” She’s picking her words oh-so-carefully. My mother is always politically correct.
I look at her. The slight smirk on her lips, the amused light in her eyes. I sigh, dropping my shoulders in defeat.
“It’s okay, darling.” She puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes softly. “Just play safe.”
“Okay mom.”
She smiles brightly as she pads her way over to the stairs and disappears out of sight.