"I'd take hours to explain," I said. "I'd listen to you for hours," he said.
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The soft golden rays of morning streamed through the windows casting a warm glow over the hall. The scent of freshly baked croissants and vanilla wafted in the air as Mama balanced a tray of my breakfast-my favorite honey-drizzled pancakes and freshly cut strawberries.
I was seated cross-legged on the sofa, wearing my favorite floral sweater, while she hovered over me with a forkful of syrupy sweetness, smiling mischievously.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and my excitement bubbled up like champagne, ready to spill over.
Today was the day. My first trip away from home. My first trip with Aadam. A whole weekend with him.
Oh, it's going to be perfect. Just perfect.
"Darling," Mama began, her tone dripping with mischief, "I can't believe you're actually leaving me to go frolic in the Highlands with Aadam and his merry band of misfits."
"Mama!" I whined, my cheeks already turning a soft pink. "It's not like that!" I paused, then added, "It's just... it's going to be so much fun. Aadam's going to be there." My lips curved into a dreamy smile, but Mama wasn't about to let me off the hook so easily.
"Oh, I see," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "This isn't just a trip; it's a romantic getaway with your dreamy boyfriend. Tell me, is he whisking you away to a castle next?"
"Mama, stop!" I squeaked, covering my face with my hands, my voice muffled as I mumbled, "It's just a group trip..."
Okay, maybe it's mostly about him, but still...
She chuckled and leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, "You're absolutely smitten, aren't you?"
I peeked through my fingers, my lips pressed into a pout, but the blush on my face betrayed me.
"Maybe," I admitted softly.
She waved another bite in front of my face. "Open up. You can't go on your first trip away from home without a proper breakfast."
"Mama," I groaned, but my giggle gave me away. "I'm not a child!"
"You're my child," she retorted, winking. "And for the record, I don't trust you to eat properly when you're too busy staring at your Prince charming. Don't think I haven't noticed."
I felt my cheeks heat up instantly, and I waved her off, trying to hide my grin. She always knows how to get under my skin. "Mama, stop it!"
"Oh, come now, don't pretend you don't have that dreamy look every time you see him," she said, clearly enjoying herself. "It's like watching a lovesick kitten."
I nearly choked on my pancake. "Mama!"
"Now, darling, chew. Don’t swallow it whole. We've got plenty of time before the lot of them show up honking their horn like madmen." She teased, her eyes sparkling as she waved the fork.
