Finding Love

Chapter 13

"OH WE HAVE company," mom said as she rounded the corner

"Mom, this is Leo," I introduced. He held out his hand for her to shake, but she quickly pushed it away.

"I'm a hugger," she clinged onto him in a matter of seconds. Over her shoulder, I saw Leo's terrified face.

"That's enough, mom," I pried her off, and she stood there smiling at him.

"Sorry, I'm just excited," she apologized, "Alyiah talks about you all the time."

"She talks about me?" his shy persona was gone, and a smug look came upon his face.

"Almost every day," my mom stressed, "Leo did this, or he did that. She's completely ob-"

"Okay," I quickly interrupted, "we get it." 

"You're as red as a tomato," she patted my red cheeks. "That reminds me, I have some groceries in the car. Could you be a darling and bring them in, please?"

"Of course, Ms. Anderson," he went outside, leaving me and my mom.

"You didn't tell me he was coming over," she says as she excitedly hits my arm.

"It just happened," I rubbed at the spot she hit.

"And your uniform and hair is messy," she examined me, and then a sly grin took over her features, "Were you guys making out?"

"Yes," I mumbled, the blush coming back on my face as she squealed. 

"And this isn't like the peck he gave you in the kitchen?" she asked.

"No, mom, I'm talking about lips on lips," 

"Well, is he a good kisser?" she asked.

"The best, better than anybody I had ever kissed," I sighed.

"We'll continue this conversation later," she said as she saw Leo approaching, "and I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Ms. Anderson, where should I put these?" Leo's voice ran out before she could talk.

"I'm coming," she gave me an apologetic smile before going to help Leo. 

I took this time to go and change out of my uniform, and running up the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder what mom had to share. Normally, she only talked about how annoying her co-workers and customers were or how she was going to kill her boss. This time around, she seemed more excited, which means she either got a raise or a promotion or she met a guy.

I'm hoping it's the last option, because although she was doing fine by herself, I knew she felt lonely sometimes. I know I'm not able to relate to her on certain things and can't have certain conversations with her, but I'm hoping that with anyone he finds, they will help fill that gap she had. Besides, I wanted her to experience the nice things she didn't get to do with Dad.

Getting rid of those thoughts, I quickly went back down the stairs. I found Leo and Mom in the kitchen laughing away; she had him cutting up some vegetables while she seasoned shrimp. Her face was red from laughter, and I couldn't help but smile as I saw her happy face.

"Oh, there she is," she said through her giggles, "I'll leave you two to talk while I'll go freshen up. Honey, get started on the pasta."

"On it, mom," I gave her a thumbs up as she made her way out.

"Your mom is very funny," Leo said as I made my way over to the pantry.

"She wasn't telling you any embarrassing stories about me, was she?" I turned around, "I can't lose any street rep."

"Only that time you tried to take home a raccoon," he laughed.

"I was three, and I wasn't allowed to have a dog," I explained, "I did what any three year old would do."

"And when you got bitten by it, that didn't give you a sign that you should have put it down," he rebuttal.

"Mr. Tinkers was just scared, alright," I defended, "yeah he may have given me salmonella, but it was worth it."

"You're adorable," he walked over and placed a quick peck on my lips.

"I am, aren't I?" I smiled up to him.

"You should get back to your pasta,"  he nodded to the stove.

"Of course," I gave him a quick peck before turning around.

"I didn't know you had tattoos," his fingers ran over it.

"You're not a very good stalker then," I stirred my pasta.

"But why have I never seen it before?" he ran his hands over my shoulder.

"I've never worn spaghetti straps around you," 

The dress I had changed into was a white mini-dress that had a deep v neck. The three small butterflies on my shoulder were free to roam wild. My tattoo never showed much because of my uniform, and usually, I wore long sleeves or clothes with thick straps, but seeing as how Leo's reaching, I guess I'll show it more.

"I have tattoos too," he whispered in my ear.

"Really? Where?" I asked my eyes glued on the shrimp that was now in the pan.

"I'll show you another time, your mother's coming down," he said, then moved back over to his station.

"Alright, my little chefs, let's get busy," she clapped her hands after walking in.

After ten minutes we had finished cooking, the food was on the dining table. We had made shrimp alfredo with a side salad, and a glass of white wine was used as a refresher. Dinner was very lively with the new addition of Leo. He had fit in perfectly; he cracked jokes and told funny stories about his childhood. I had never been happier, that's why when he had to go I was extremely sad.

"Don't make that face," he groaned.

"I'm gonna miss you," I pouted.

"You're clingier than me," he chuckled.

"I'm so happy, I'm glad you came over," I smiled while handing him tupperware that was filled with leftovers.

"I'm just glad your mom liked me."

"I'm pretty sure she loves you more than me," I walked him to the door

"Wouldn't be a hard thing to do," he said and gasped dramatically.

"No goodnight kiss for you then," I crossed my arms over my chest and turned away from him.

"No, wait, I was joking," he pulled me to face him.

"Didn't sound like a joke to me,"

"I promise it was," he whined. "Please don't take away my goodnight kiss."

"Okay, but only because you look so cute," I finally caved.

His lips were on mine once again, and I felt myself melt in his hand that held my cheek. I pulled away from it before he could go further, seeing as we were at the front door.

"Tell your mom thanks for the food, my family's gonna love it," he stood up straight.

"I'm sure they will,"

"About that date, I'm thinking about Saturday," he reminded.

"I'm free," not like I had any friends.

"I'll pick you up," he informed, and I nodded.

"Well, goodnight." I gave him one last peck on his cheek

"Goodnight butterfly." he said, and I smiled.