White Lies

Poison Apple

"There's my Blanche."

Did he hear it right? 'My Blanche'? As soon as they're in front of Bee's mother and her guest, she lets go of Hunter's hand and flies towards the man's open arms. Hunter wonders who he is. He can't possibly be the douchebag Perry. Somehow Hunter knows that Bee isn't into much older men.

"Let me look at you. Ah... it seems pregnancy suits you. How are you doing, my sweet girl?" the man asks Blanche as soon as their embrace is done.

At least she isn't threatened by him. Although at first he thought that she feared the man. The way she's looking at him now, with awe and respect, Hunter can surmise that he's someone she regards well. And he must stay in his best behaviour. Not only does he need to impress her mother, there's this other man too. Bee never asked him for such a thing. All she has asked for was to meet her mother. And here he is, standing like a big oaf, waiting to be introduced.

"I've been great, Andres, just wonderful." Her smile is wide and her voice is soft and honest as she places a hand over her belly. When Hunter sees her glance over at her mother, that smile disappears. As though she just remembered that he's there with them, she reaches for Hunter's hand again. "This is Hunter Peters. Hunter, this is Andres, my ahmmm..."

"I'm a friend of the family," Andres finishes for her, extending his hand out to Hunter. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Peters. Thank you for taking great care of our little Blanche."

Before Hunter can reply, he hears the scoff which came from Bee's mother. He keeps eye contact with Andres. "Hunter, please. It's been a pleasure taking care of her, when she lets me, of course." He sends a smile to Blanche, who smiles back. Then, he turns to her mother. "And you must be Blanche's mother. It's great to finally meet you, ma'am." His mother would be proud of how pleasant he is. He offers his hand to the older woman, but all she does is stare at it and scoff once again.

"Don't mind, Reyna. She's had a tough couple of days," Andres tells Hunter and Blanche. "Have a seat please."

Hunter pulls out the chair for Blanche, leans down to press a quick kiss on her cheek, before sitting beside her. As soon as he settles, he feels Bee's hand on his thigh. With a surreptitious glance, he sees her sit stiffly, back straightened, not a hair out of place, and her face not giving out any signs of emotion. He gives her hand a little squeeze, to ensure Bee that he's there for her to jump, run or do whatever it is she wants.

A server appears by their side, welcomes Hunter and Blanche and explains the prix fixe menu and seasonal specials. Then she offers to pour the wine that's sitting on the table. They both decline, but Hunter asks for a shot of whiskey and Blanche for sparkling water.

As soon as the server leaves, Reyna trains her cold eyes on Hunter. "What is it that you do, Mr Peters?" Reyna's voice is arctic.

Blanche's hand tightens her hold under the table. He rubs circles on her skin, hoping to soothe her. "I'm an artist," Hunter answers proudly.

One of Reyna's eyebrows pop up. "An artist?" She scoffs again. Hunter wonders if the woman is capable of any other expressions. "Aren't artists a dime a dozen in this city?"

Blanche trembles at the insinuation. "You're right about that. And that's why I decided to specialize. My canvas is skin. I'm a tattoo artist." He's happy he said it, judging by the scowl on Reyna's face, she disapproves of it.

"I imagine that's a profitable career," Andres adds in. At first, Hunter wonders why he's even present in this little reunion, and now, he's grateful for it. He's a wedge between the mother and daughter war.

"Is it enough to raise a child?" Reyna spits out. "And to provide the way of life Blanche is accustomed to?"

"We live a very satisfying life," Blanche answers for him. Pride fills his heart, and joy too when he heard the word 'we'.