𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 |𝟏𝟖+|

18

Miguel Raffetò POV

Two hours earlier

I've been sat at this god damn table for a quarter of an hour, using my logic and knowing the woman would scold me if I wasn't punctual so I even got here five minutes before the designated time.

I was getting anxious.

I looked like someone who got stood up by their date, what with the glass of red wine I ordered for my mom, knowing that that was her favourite.

Probably the only thing I could get right in our fucked up mother and son relationship.

But as the minutes continued to pass, my nerves grew and I fought the urge to message a certain someone to help take my mind of things. But I didn't do that because Etta needed space. She may not have said that, but I'm gonna assume for the both of us that she does.

Twenty minutes later and my phone dinged, right as a waiter came and politely nudged me to free the table.

Asking him to hold on a minute, I read the message on my phone.

Mom: Change of plans, can't meet tonight. Will contact you a new time this week.

Well fuck. There she goes cancelling on me like I'm one of her business meetings.

My shoulders sagged and heart dropped just like the crumbling hope that had naively been building since mom called to arrange this godforsaken dinner.

There I was thinking maybe she wanted to build a relationship after so many years.

Should've known it was too fucking good to be too fucking true.

Present

"So this is Meg and this is Carter." Etta introduced me to her friends with a bashful smile on her face.

I didn't mean to but I truly did find myself turning up on her doorstep tonight. I came straight here after mom had cancelled on me. I craved that feeling I only seemed to get when I was around Etta.

So here I was.

And fuck was I glad I came.

"Nice to meet you guys, Etta speaks very highly of you both."

Megs lips curled to one side as she shot Etta a look it seems only they would understand.

"Nice to meet you too Miguel. Once provoked, Etta doesn't shut her-" Etta threw a cushion at her best friend and I stifled a laugh. She's been talking about me?

My insides warmed and I rounded the coffee table where Etta was now lowering herself to the floor.

I copied her actions and sat cross legged, my knee bumping hers and causing that blush I never tire of seeing.

"One day I'll get more seating and it won't be as darn uncomfortable." She joked, reaching for the takeout that Carter was currently serving.

She sat back with a pot of noodles and a box of spring rolls, followed by a bowl of prawn crackers that Meg had separated them into.