My mother's bestfriend

Chapter XIX

Essington's POV

I opened the door to find Stefania's mother standing there, her familiar features catching me off guard for just a moment. Maria Russo. It had been years since our college days, but I'd recognize that smile anywhere. Her hair was a bit more frazzled, and her eyes carried the weight of a busy day at work, but the moment she saw me, her face brightened.

"Catie," Maria said warmly, using the nickname she used to call me back in the day. "Thank you so much for this. I know it's last-minute, but I really appreciate you watching over Stefania."

I leaned against the doorframe, a casual smirk already forming on my lips. "No worries, Maria. It's no trouble at all. You know you can drop her off anytime. It's practically a favor, really." I gave her a playful wink, the same way I used to back in college when we'd get ourselves into mischief.

She laughed, shaking her head. "Somehow, I'm sure it is. You haven't changed a bit."

I grinned, my gaze sliding briefly past her as I called out into the house. "Stefania! Your mom's here!"

As I waited for Stefania to come downstairs, Maria and I exchanged a few more pleasantries. It was strange, seeing her now as a mother, knowing that the shy girl upstairs was her daughter. Life had a funny way of circling back like that.

"I've got to admit," Maria said, folding her arms, "my first thought wasn't you about beeing  the one looking after Stefania, I didn't expect you to still be... well, you, but I am really happy I choose you after all "

"Still trouble, you mean?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Maria chuckled. "Something like that. I just hope you didn't let her stay up all night causing chaos."

I gave a mock gasp of indignation. "Please, Maria. You wound me. Stefania was a perfect angel." My tone dropped into a teasing whisper. "Though I'm starting to see where she gets it from."

At that moment, Stefania finally appeared at the top of the stairs, her hesitant footsteps echoing through the hallway. When she came into view, I took a second to size her up. Hair slightly messy, cheeks flushed, and the way her eyes flicked from me to her mother nervously—adorable, really. Though that didn't mean I couldn't have a bit of fun at her expense.

"There she is," I said, my smirk widening as Stefania made her way down. Her eyes darted around, clearly avoiding mine. The girl was nervous, and I knew exactly why.

"Thanks again, Catie," Maria said, turning to give Stefania a quick hug. "I hope she wasn't too much trouble."

I waved it off, all too casually. "Stefania? Trouble? Never. She's delightful, really." I glanced at Stefania, who was now standing awkwardly by the door, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "Honestly, Maria, you don't need to worry about her. We had a good time."

Stefania blushed harder at that, and I had to hold back a laugh. She was so easy to fluster. It was almost too fun.

"Well, I'm glad," Maria said, oblivious to the game Stefania and I were playing. "I was worried I was being a bit overprotective, dumping her on you like that."

"Not at all," I reassured her with a grin. "Better safe than sorry, right? She's in good hands."

Maria smiled, clearly relieved, then turned to Stefania. "Alright, honey, let's get going."

Stefania nodded, moving as if she was desperate to escape, but as she gathered her things and moved toward the door after her mother left us to go to the car, I couldn't help myself. I took a few steps forward, closing the distance between us and stood behind her back, and placed a hand on her shoulder. Instantly, she froze.