Summer Romance || Starker AU (REWRITTEN)

2

One thing I liked about my mom is that she didn't hover. She was really good at giving me my own space, which was exactly what I needed when the sun went down. 

After dinner, I found myself in my room on my old computer and flipping through old photo albums from my bookshelf. So many memories flooded this room, and the nostalgic feeling was almost overwhelming. 

My mom was somewhat of a hoarder. She was desperate to hold onto memories. Unfortunately, I had to endure her quirks like that. I like to call it "only child syndrome", and God was I sick. My mom kept every single piece of clothing that touched my body from the time I was born until around five years old. 

Don't get me wrong, I thought it was really sweet, but at some point, you have to let go. I couldn't fit any of my things in my closet because of how full it was of totes piled with school projects and pictures. 

My aunt managed to call me twice a day for the week I had been here. Thankfully she dialed down her panic a bit, and most of her calls were pleasant conversations about how I was doing. 

My mom and I got along so well, but there was always a pit left in my stomach. I thought maybe it was just anxiety. The last time I saw my mom I promised myself I would never lay eyes on her again, but as I grew up, I knew that I needed my mom in my life. I knew she needed me, too. It looked like all she had was Tony. My aunt hadn't talked to her much in those three years either, and my grandparents passed within them. I was honestly very proud of my mom. Despite being completely alone, she was able to clean up her act and stop using. 

Mornings with my mom were very pleasant. Not only because I was having a good time making new memories with my mother, but because her neighbor came over every morning for coffee. 

Tony was truly the most interesting person I had ever met. The way he spoke had this sort of exquisite tone to it. I found myself getting lost in the things he said, and even though I barely knew anything about the things he talked about, I listened to every word. 

Tony sat in front of me at the table while my mom washed dishes. He talked to me about what he does at his company, trying to break it down so I could comprehend it. 

"That's genuinely so interesting. I don't know how you do it." I smiled, resting my head on my hand with my elbow on the table. 

"I guess it's just second nature to me now. I worked very hard for the things I have now." He sat confidently in front of me and smiled. 

"Well, I'm very impressed Mr. Stark." I grinned, sitting up straight to mimic his stance. 

"Oh, please call me Tony. You're a friend, not a colleague." He chuckled. 

I giggled, "Alright, Tony." I looked at him flustered. 

My mom stood in front of the sink, rinsing out her coffee mug.

"Pete, I heard the fair is coming back to town. Are you going?" My mom asked, turning her head from the sink after turning off the water. 

"The fair? Like rides and stuff?" I tilted my head a bit. 

My mom laughed, pulling off her cleaning gloves and making her way back to the table. "Yes, Pete. Like rides and stuff." 

I paused for a second, "It isn't really my thing..." I bit my lip nervously.

"Oh, come on. I'll take you. I promise it's fun." Tony chipped in.

I didn't hesitate. Of course, I was taking this opportunity to spend time with Tony, especially since we would be completely alone. 

"It's supposed to be in town in just a few weeks. I think it's great that you guys are spending time together. It gives me time to catch up on my shows." My mom smirked, looking at Tony. 

"I'm surprised you aren't caught up already." He chuckled. 

My mom picked her phone up, checking it before setting it down. "Oh, Tony! It's 8 o'clock. You might want to head out for work soon." 

Tony's eyes widened a bit, and he stood up. "Shit, you're right. See you in the morning?" He asked, smiling at me. 

My cheeks heated up a bit, "Yeah, I'll see you in the morning." I smiled back.

Oh my God, he is so perfect.