Call Me Babe

Chapter 10

Taylor’s mother, Andrea, can barely contain herself when she watches Taylor lead in her mystery friend. Of course, she’s stopped by the new cafe on numerous occasions, and immediately recognizes Joe. She wouldn’t have recommended Taylor meet him if she hadn’t already scoped him out, but she never expected it to actually work! Calming herself down some, she chastises herself mentally, “She said he was her *friend*. Nothing more.” Still, she can’t help but wonder if something might grow there if she just waters it a touch during dinner. 

Taylor, on the other hand, watched her mom’s face light up when she introduced Joe to her parents and tried her best not to groan audibly. Why did she ever think this was a good idea? When has her mom ever held back from meddling in her love life? Glancing over at Joe, she breathed a small sigh of relief as she noticed his calm demeanor and the noticeable lack of panic in his eyes. When she’s brought male friends over before, they usually get overwhelmed by how intense her mom can get. 

Throughout their day together, Andrea kept making her version of subtle hints about what a catch her daughter is. Taylor died a little inside with each comment, but has to commend Joe for laughing along and being such a good sport about it. Once again, the feeling in her chest doesn’t quite fit the category of friend, but she tries to focus on the conversation at hand, and so the thought flutters away like the glimmer of a comet in the sky. 

Finally, the evening began to wind down and Taylor started looking for her excuse to slide out the door. Joe noticed her shifting eyes and eased out a comment about needing to get up early to open the coffee shop, which she quickly affirmed. Andrea took one last opportunity to remark how she’d love to see him again and get to know him better, as Taylor bit her tongue one more time. At last, the door closes behind them and she lets out a long deep breath. “Huh, she really is something, isn’t she?” Joe remarked, a knowing look in his eye. She only smirked in reply and quickly opened her car door.