Maybe

Chapter 45 How bad could it get?

My mom greeted him with so much enthusiasm it felt like she was welcoming royalty. 

“Oh, Daniel, you’re here!” she practically beamed, already pulling him into the dining room. 

Lunch was a production. My mom had outdone herself, bringing out dishes I hadn’t seen in years. “Here, Daniel, have some more,” she cooed, piling his plate high with food. 

“Thank you, Mrs, you’re too kind,” he said, flashing that charming smile of his. 

I watched in mild disbelief as my mom kept fawning over him. “Such a polite young man,” she sighed, looking at me pointedly like Why can’t you keep someone like this around?

I rolled my eyes and stuffed a forkful of food into my mouth to avoid responding. 

After lunch, Daniel and I stepped out for a walk. The sun was out, and the streets had that quiet, lazy afternoon vibe. 

“So,” Daniel started, shoving his hands into his pockets, “your mom’s great. She even gave me extra dessert. I think I’m her favorite now.” 

“Don’t let it get to your head,” I said, smirking. 

He gave me a playful nudge. “She’s way too good for you, though. She kept calling me ‘such a nice boy.’ I think she wants to adopt me.” 

“Only if You're ready to spoil this little sister,” I say pointing at me.

He only laughs.

“She’s just like that with anyone who’s not me.” I say.

Daniel chuckled. “Yeah, I got that vibe. But seriously, she’s a sweetheart. You’re lucky to have her.” 

I nodded, my smile softening. “I know.” 

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of our shoes crunching against the pavement filling the gaps. 

“So,” he said, breaking the quiet, “what’s her favorite dessert? You know, just in case I need to seal the deal and officially become her favorite child.” 

I gave him a side-eye. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?” 

“Ridiculously charming,” he quipped, earning himself a light shove. 

“Don’t push your luck,” I warned, but I was grinning now. 

And just like that, the afternoon felt a little brighter.As we walked down the street, Daniel started talking about himself. Not that I asked, but he seemed pretty eager to share. 

“You know,” he began, “I’ve always been the type to make things work my way. Never really needed anyone to show me the ropes.” 

“Uh-huh,” I replied, glancing at him sideways. 

“I mean, people tend to rely on me. Always have,” he added with a casual shrug, like he was some sort of unspoken hero. 

“Must be exhausting,” I said, half-joking. 

“Not really,” he replied, a little too quickly. “I like being the one in control. Keeps things in order.” 

Something about the way he said it made me pause, but I didn’t say anything. It wasn’t that big of a deal, right? So, he liked being in control. Lots of people did. 

“And honestly,” he continued, “I don’t do well with people who waste time. You know, people who just… don’t get it. I tend to cut them off pretty fast.” 

Red flag. Blindingly red. But I laughed lightly, brushing it off. “Efficient of you.” 

“Exactly,” he said, clearly pleased with himself. “I’ve always known what I want, and I don’t let anyone or anything get in my way.”