Love Games

14||Haunting Kiss

🦋Amina

The kiss with Easton stirred up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me, bringing both comfort and discomfort. It forced me to confront the reality of my situation with Eli—a nice distraction, perhaps, but ultimately not what I wanted. The kiss with Easton only solidified that fact, leaving me with a tangled mess of thoughts and desires.

I hadn't yet talked to Ivy about it; Ryan's arrival in town had rightfully taken precedence, and I wanted to give her some space with him. As for Aries, we were close, but not close enough for me to confide in her about something like this. That left me with only one option: my mom.

To some, venting to their mom might seem strange, but for me, it was a source of comfort. She was all I had ever known, my rock in a sea of uncertainty. So, I found myself standing at her front door, steeling myself to unload the weight of my thoughts and feelings.

When she opened the door, she seemed distracted, caught up in a conversation with someone behind her. "Yeah, you make the lemonade, but don't put as much sugar as last time," she said before turning her attention to me with a surprised expression. "Oh, sweetie, I wasn't expecting you," she exclaimed, hesitating to let me in.

I couldn't blame her for being caught off guard; I rarely made the 45-minute drive to see her unless it was planned. But I needed her support, now more than ever. I chuckled softly, taking in her appearance in her silk robe and nightie. "That's obvious. Are you going to let me in?" I teased, a hint of affection in my voice.

My mom cleared her throat, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Yeah, but I have company. I didn't want you two to meet so soon or like this, but you're here," she explained, stepping aside to let me in.

My curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but inquire, "Who?"

"Robert, sweetie?" my mom called out.

"Yes," a tall, slender man emerged, a polite smile gracing his features as he wiped his hands on a paper towel. However, his smile faltered upon seeing me. "Hi, you must be her sister," he attempted to smooth over the awkwardness, his tone laced with an obvious attempt to ingratiate himself with both my mom and me.

I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at his feeble attempt at diplomacy. "I don't know if that's a compliment or insult. Are you saying I look old, Mr. Robert?" I quipped, extending my hand out for him to shake.

As my mom approached him, he threw an empty gesture of welcome around her, but she placed a hand on his chest, affectionately dismissing his attempt at charm. "This is my daughter, Amina. You know, she's all over my office, silly," she remarked with a fond smile, her words carrying a hint of pride.

"I'm just saying, you both look amazing, and please call me Rob," he insisted with a warm smile.

"Hi, Rob. I just need to borrow my mom for just a second, and you guys can continue," I interjected, gently pulling her toward my old bedroom.

"Take your time. She has me making lemonade and barbecue. Matter of fact, I'll make you a plate before you go," Rob offered cheerfully as he made his way towards the backyard.

As Rob turned away, I caught a glimpse of his side profile and realized that I recognized him as the man who was walking out of her office.

She was dating someone she was working with?

I shut the door behind us as she settled onto the bed. "You're dating someone you work with?" I blurted out, unable to contain my surprise.

She sighed softly, her expression thoughtful. "It happened naturally, and how do you know?" she inquired, her tone tinged with curiosity.