Forbes series 1: Forever To Be Your Moon

13

Mckenzie Pov

As I watched Athena walk away, I let out a deep sigh and turned back to my mom, who was still grinning mischievously. She had a way of stirring up trouble and playing games that often left people flustered, and today had been no different.

"Mom," I said, shaking my head slightly. "Did you really have to do that?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, pretending to look innocent. "Do what, darling? I was just having a bit of fun. You know me."

I couldn't help but chuckle despite the awkwardness. She was impossible sometimes, but I loved her. "You really enjoy getting under people's skin, don't you?"

Cecelia Forbes leaned back in her chair, a smug look of satisfaction on her face. "Well, what can I say? Athena needed a little push. You and I both know she's been dancing around her feelings for you for a while now." 

She paused for dramatic effect and added, "Besides, ang taray ng manugang ko, ha! Maldita nga. Parang kailangan ko na atang masanay. Ako na lang mag-a-adjust!" She laughed heartily, clearly amused by her own joke.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Mom! She's not your 'manugang' yet, and you're not making this any easier for me."

She waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away my concerns. "Oh, darling, people wait for all sorts of things. But that doesn't mean you should be sitting on the sidelines. You're already in her life, McKenzie. She may not realize it yet, but you're the one she's turning to. And trust me, she felt something back there."

I sighed, slumping slightly into my chair. "It's more complicated than that, Mom. Athena still has feelings for Philip. She's waiting for him."

She gave an exaggerated eye roll and dramatically put her hand on her chest. "Philip, schmilip! That boy is off somewhere chasing who knows what, while you're here, making Athena smile and calming her down like no one else can. Frankly, anak, you're already winning. It's just a matter of time before she figures it out."

I shook my head, feeling conflicted. "I don't know, Mom. Sometimes I think she'll never see me the way I see her."

Cecelia reached across the table, placing a gentle yet firm hand on mine. "Sweetheart, love is complicated. It's never a straight line. But I've watched the way you two interact, and there's something there. You just have to be patient." She grinned slyly and added, "Or, kung hindi na ako makapag-tiis, ako na ang magbubulgar sa kanya na ikaw ang CEO! Ay, naku, feeling ko hihimatayin siya sa surprise!"

I burst out laughing, even as I tried to glare at her. "Please, don't do that, Mom. I'll handle it. No more meddling, okay?"