Mila Wilson is quiet, anxious and a little bit of a mess. Panic attacks have ruled her life for as long as she can remember - but starting college is her chance to take control. Love? Not something she believes she's built for.
Then she meets Jace E...
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I fumble with the keys in the pocket of my jacket, my hands trembling just enough to betray my nerves. It's not that I don't want Jace to meet my mom—God, I'm thrilled he does. But there's this tight knot inside of me, a fragile hope that they'll like each other, that this delicate new world we're building won't crack apart when they collide.
Before I can slide the key into the lock, the front door swings open, flooding the quiet hallway with the familiar warmth of her voice. "I knew I heard something," my mom beams, her face glowing against the dim light.
A smile blossoms across my lips, wide and instant. I've missed her—missed this. "Hey, Mom," I say, stepping into her embrace, her arms wrapping around me, her scent wrapping around me, like home.
She pulls back slightly, her eyes already flicking to Jace, standing behind me, polite but hesitant, a soft smile playing on his lips. Her eyes widen, but only for a moment, before they soften into something warm and welcoming. "And you must be Jace," she says, extending a hand.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," he offers, taking her hand. But Mom isn't one for formality. With a laugh, she pulls him into a hug, and I see Jace tense, just for a second, before relaxing into it.
"Mom," I say, a quiet warning in my voice, but I can't help the bubble of laughter that escapes me. He's trying so hard not to look startled. Everyone in my family loves physical affection; Jace will have to get used to that.
"Please, call me Helen," she says, her hands still resting lightly on his shoulders. "Come in, both of you."
Jace grabs my bag, brushing my hand lightly as he does, the contact sending a small jolt through me. "You have a beautiful home, Helen," he says as he sets my bag by the door.
"Oh, thank you, darling. I'm so glad I finally get to meet you—I've heard quite a lot," Mom says as she leads us into the living room.
Jace's lips quirk into a playful smirk. "All good, I hope?"
"Absolutely," she replies, glancing at me knowingly. "Can I get you two something to drink? Coffee?"
"A coffee would be great, thank you," Jace says, hands slipping into his pockets. "Can I help?"
Mom waves him off. "No, no, you two sit. Make yourself comfortable."
Jace nods and settles into the couch. I follow Mom into the kitchen, finally releasing the breath I've been holding since we arrived. "That went well," I murmur, grabbing the coffee and decaf from the cabinet.
"I didn't know you were bringing him!" she exclaims quietly, switching on the coffee machine.
"Me neither," I admit, glancing over my shoulder at the living room. "He drove me and said he wanted to come in and say hi."
"What a lovely young man. And so handsome," she gushes, her voice soft with affection.
A flush rises in my cheeks. "He is," I say, my voice trailing off, a little dreamy. "Sometimes I still can't believe he's my boyfriend."
