Maya (Book #3)

Chapter 8

I awoke to a text from Asher, inviting me to go out. He didn't fully understand the situation with my uncle, but he sent a text shortly after saying that if I didn't feel safe, I didn't have to go. That text was exactly why I agreed. I went to Charlotte's office to confirm that it was okay if I went out, praying the boys were all still asleep.

I gave a knock on her door and pushed it open, hoping she was in there. It was still early, but I knew she'd be awake. When she saw me, she jumped up a little and placed her elbows on her desk so she could focus on me.

"Maya!" she said, looking pleasantly surprised. I guess it made sense. I didn't leave my bedroom yesterday until the sun had gone down and now, here I was, bright and early. Sometimes I didn't understand my mind either.

"Hey, Mom..." I said, sidling up to her desk. "Would it be okay if I went out with Asher today?" I asked. She hesitated with her answer, so I went to sit on my usual couch while she thought about it. It made sense that she would have some questions.

 "Where would you be going exactly?" she asked lightly. I could tell she was a little uncomfortable with the idea. Her shoulders were stiff and her smile was a little strained.

"His house! And his parents are cops so it should be super safe!" I reassured her. In truth, I didn't think his parents would be home, but it was possible. I hoped she couldn't read that doubt on my face.

"I don't know, Maya. Are you sure that's the best idea given that your uncle has spoken to Asher already?" she said lightly. I looked down dejectedly. She was probably right.

 "I know you care about him and I'm so happy for you, but I want to make sure you're safe right now. That's my priority," she explained. It made me euphoric that she wanted to protect me, but I really wanted to see him today. My face fell and I stood up slowly, nodding. I would follow her rules, even if I didn't like them.

"But I know what we'll do!" she said suddenly, snapping her fingers.

"What?" I asked skeptically.

"We can have him over here tonight for dinner and a movie!" she proposed excitedly, clapping her hands together. "It'll be so fun!"

"Umm, but the boys!" I stammered, squeezing my legs together. Damon knew that Asher kissed me, and the others might've suspected something, but they definitely didn't know I was going out with someone. Also, the last time we talked about dating I believe they said I wasn't allowed to go out until I was 100 years old. I still had a ways to go.

 "They'll be on their best behavior," she assured me. "And I will send them to their rooms if they're not." She held out her hand to make a deal with me and looked deadly serious. I laughed at the thought of any of the boys being sent to his room.

I sighed. "Fine!" I said, reaching over and shaking her hand. 

"I can't wait to officially meet him!" she squealed, acting as I had never seen before. She stood from her desk and papers spilled off it that she ignored as she went to look out the window.

Tonight would be fine. She didn't know anything embarrassing about me, right?

 "We should watch Tangled since it's your favorite!" she said, giving me a glowing smile.

"Mom!" I said, red-faced. "No!" I couldn't even imagine what Asher would think of me if I forced him to watch a kid's movie. Besides, that wasn't my favorite movie anymore. I was getting into scary movies, like my brothers. I only had to cover my eyes and ears for some of the scenes. 

"Oh, fine." She said, waving her hand. "I'm sure he'll like whatever 'cool' movie you pick too." She smirked at me, and she looked so much like her sons that I couldn't believe it.

"You better be on your best behavior!" I warned, giving her a stern look, and pointing my finger.

"I'll be perfect!" she scoffed. "You might want to warn the boys before he shows up though!"

I thought about it. "Maybe it would be better to surprise them?" I suggested.

"Your guess is as good as mine." She replied.

"Well. Here's to hoping they don't kill the guy I like." I said with a shrug as I walked to the door.

"Aww, does he know that you like him?" She asked breathlessly, with a fanatical gleam in her eyes.

"Stop!" I whined, stretching the word out until the door shut behind me.

"Moms," I muttered to myself with an eye roll as I went back upstairs. I couldn't help but giggle at that, so I covered my hand over my mouth and tried to hide my grin.