Chapter 24 #2
“I’m not ready to face Spencer. I don’t want him to know where I am. And even Felicity knows who he is. That thing in the paper—”
“She’d never tell him.”
“Of course not, but someone else might mention something to someone, and…” She wrung her hands.
I heard my front door open. “Yoohoo!”
“That’s my mom,” I hissed. “If you don’t want this to be public, hide. Now.”
Noelle nodded, frantically scanning the room. With no good hiding spots, she dove behind the kitchen island just as Mom appeared.
“Why don’t you answer the door?”
She was in full winter gear, with earmuffs over a wool hat and snow boots, her wool socks visible. Mom kept fit by walking everywhere, no matter the weather.
“I was just getting dressed.” I adjusted my waistband. “I was in the sauna.”
“In the morning?”
“It was a cold night.”
Her nose wrinkled. “You’re not heating well enough. The hallway is freezing.”
“I don’t spend time in the hallway.”
She tilted her head, giving me that look. “Other people might be more willing to visit if they didn’t freeze to death at your doorstep. Or if you even came to the door.”
“They know it’s open.” I tossed another log into the fireplace, more for show than need.
“Fine.” Mom softened a little, dropping her bag on the couch. “I need to run something by you.”
“Want coffee?” I pulled out a barstool to keep her on the far side of the kitchen island.
Mom wasn’t used to being served, but to my relief, she sat. As I circled the counter to the coffee maker, I glanced down and nearly choked.
Noelle had crammed herself into the cupboard under my sink but hadn’t managed to close the door all the way. Her hair spilled out of the crack like she’d been left there by the world’s sloppiest serial killer.
“What is it?” Mom’s eyes narrowed.
I spun back to the machine. “Nothing. Thought I saw a mouse, but it was nothing.”
“Do you need your eyes tested? Your dad and I go every year. Your second cousin Andrew has glaucoma. Ida Kallis had surgery last year and said it was a lifesaver. If she lost her eyesight, she’d have to stop with the crafts. Can you imagine?”
“Yeah.” She’d probably go nuts. Everyone needed an outlet, whatever it was.
What was mine these days? Reading in the bar? Jerking off in the shower? Trivia nights used to fire me up, training my memory and competing. Now it felt hollow.
“Eileen said you didn’t go to her speed dating event.” Mom’s tone was reproachful. “She was counting on you.”
“Really? I haven’t gone to any event in… years.”
“Well, it’s been two years now. We all thought you’d be ready for a bit of interaction.”
“Dressing up as Santa and forcing small talk with fifty women isn’t a bit of interaction—” The coffee machine sputtered and hissed, cutting me off. I let it.
Mom smiled as I handed her a mug. “That’s why I came. I found you a date! Just coffee with one lovely lady. That’s easy, right?”
I glanced at the cupboard hair fountain, praying there wasn’t mouse poop down there. Was the universe testing me?
“Who is it?”
Mom beamed, pulling out her phone. She showed me a picture.
It was Noelle. Fresh-faced in a navy-blue uniform, a neat braid falling over one shoulder. It must have been a staff photo from the cruise line's website.
“Her name is Noelle. She’s very pretty. New in town. I think she’s running a little shop near you.”
I rubbed my forehead. “Did you ask her? Does she know she’s about to go out on a date with me?”
From the corner of my eye, I saw the head in the cupboard shake violently. I stifled a grin.
Mom’s gaze sharpened, then she jabbed her finger at me. “Ha! Something’s already going on. I knew it!”
“What are you talking about?”
“Eileen told me about her, and we all thought she was perfect for you. Of course I wanted to know how things were going, but your sister wouldn’t tell me anything. She’s not normally like that.” Mom glared at me indignantly.
I rolled my eyes. “I know.”
“She kept saying you were being neighborly and told me not to get involved. How can I not get involved? You’re my only son. You’re miserable.”
“I’m not miserable.” And for once, I wasn’t lying.
Mom studied me, searching my face for cracks. “I almost believe you.”
I smiled. No faking this time. “Happy as a clam.”
She looked stunned. “Well, great. Can we talk about Christmas arrangements? Felicity’s hosting again.
Her house is small, but I think we’ll fit in somehow, since neither of my children are bringing partners.
” She cast me desolate look. “Your grandpa is coming, of course. I helped him buy presents online. There’s this website that sells locally made… garments.”
“Underpants?”
“Yeah.” She grimaced.
“Do you need my house? I can heat it up.” I didn’t know how it was possible to be surprised by your own words, but I was. I didn’t even want to take them back. Maybe it was time for me to volunteer for something.
“Are you serious?” Mom gaped at me.
“You need space. I have space.” I was already regretting this.
Her grin spread wide as she surveyed the room, already decorating in her mind. “It’s going to be perfect! Does this mean you’re bringing your girlfriend, then?”
“What girlfriend?”
“Noelle!”
“We’re not dating.”
She smirked. “Of course you are. I wasn’t sure before, but now I know.”
“What? Because I’m letting you host Christmas here? I’m not cooking, by the way. All you’re getting is the house and some heat.”
She just kept smiling. “I can’t wait to meet her!”
“You won’t. She’s only in town for the holidays, and nothing is going on between us. Nothing.” I probably sounded too sharp, but I couldn’t have her spreading rumors.
Mom raised her hands. “Fine. Have it your way.”
“If you want to use my house, you won’t spread stories about Noelle and me. Got it?”
She nodded.
“I finally finished the bathroom. You want to see it?”
I had to get her out of here before Noelle gave herself a spinal injury.