Subterfuge | LT ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Three: Stepping Stone

It's a Saturday afternoon, and inside the home of Mama B there's an aroma of comfort food throughout. She's been hard at work creating a feast consisting of pot roast so tender it doesn't need a knife to slice it and it's accompanied by perfectly roasted carrots, green beans, onions and mushrooms. Side dishes include creamy mashed potatoes perfectly seasoned with warm melted butter visibly around the edges of the serving bowl and a freshly baked baguette that will taste even better when used to sop up the juices from the roast. For dessert, an apple pie also made from scratch. The aroma of it all couldn't be more divine. For the past week she's had the pleasure of watching little Llama while Larry and Malik jetted off to Italy. They're due back this afternoon and mama can tell that Llama has been missing Larry. Whenever the doorbell rings her tail just wags and wags as if she's waiting for him to appear. But, she'll see him soon and mama will witness their sweet reunion. Llama is in her room now taking an afternoon nap while she finishes the food. All of her children have been by to visit and check on her as they all usually do. Now she's hearing her door open, but isn't quite sure which one is coming to check on her now until she hears the voice of her sweet Laurent. She calls out to tell him that she's in the kitchen and seconds later he appears. She's happy to see him and they greet each other with kisses and a warm hug. Laurent tells her how good it smells then takes a peek at what she's whipped up. He definitely has plans to eat, but as he takes a seat mama decides to check in with him about his ordeal...

Mama: "How have you been coping son"?

Laurent: "I still think for it, but I'm getting better".

Mama: "It hurts my heart that she hurt my babies".

Laurent: "I know but we're oki mama".

Mama: "Yes you are and I'm grateful". *pause* "How's your weekend going"?

Laurent: "I had a date last night".

Mama: "With who"?

Laurent: "This guy I met at a bar last week".

Mama: "Tell me about him".

Laurent: *smile* "His name is Jalen and he's a marketing exec. I was so surprised when he didn't recognize me because of what I do. But, that can be a good thing you know? These days it's hard to tell if someone likes a famous person for them or who they are to the world. I still haven't told him who I am because I want him to get to know me and I'm getting to know him too".

Mama: *smile* "He sounds nice". 

Laurent: *smile* "He is".

Mama: *smile* "I'm happy to hear that my love, but you don't drink son so why were you at a bar"?

Laurent: *chuckles *"I didn't have any alcohol. I had a sprite. I just wanted somewhere to go".

Mama: "Ahh I see. Well I'm glad you got out and your date went well last night. Do you think you will see him again"?

Laurent: "I'm seeing him again this weekend".

At that moment Llama comes in the kitchen and when she sees him she runs over with her tail wagging. Laurent is surprised to see her but he picks her up to pet her and talk to her in doggie voice then looks up at mama...

Laurent: "What's Llama doing here"?

Mama: "Larry brought her here so I could take care of her while he's away".

Laurent: "Where did he go"?

Mama: "Italy".

Laurent doesn't answer right away because just from mama's tone he knows who joined him on this trip...