Didn't your mother tell you it's rude to stare?

of labels and memos

"Matteo!" A female voice called out as we stepped through into then veranda. I looked over at a regal looking woman who stood up, smiling, with her arms outstretched towards us.

Matt tugged my hand as we walked towards her. I looked at her, auburn hair with little streaks of gray, swept back in a loose, low chignon. Soft features that exuded warmth. Her eyes were dark brown, just like her son's. Matt momentarily released my hand as he hugged his mother. "Hi mom." I heard him say.

I watched them embraced and smiled. He swallowed her petite with his huge one. She then averted her eyes towards me, which registered surprise, and released him. "Well, who is this lovely lady then, Matteo? "she smiled at me.

"Babe, this is my mom, Mrs. Francesca Illesca." He wrapped his arm around my waist again. " Mom, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Jenna Henry." He smiled at me before grinning back at his mom.

He called me his girlfriend!!! I stood there in shock and stared blankly at Matt. He went and just placed a label on us. I have a boyfriend. I felt my face redden from a blush.

"Babe?" I felt him tighten his hold around my waist.

I gathered my wits and shook my head. "Oh, sorry... It's lovely to meet you Mrs.Illesca." I extended an arm out and smiled politely at her.

"Tut, none of that." She waved my arm away. "Give me a proper hug." She pulled me into her arms before I could say anything. "It's finally so nice to meet my Mattie's girlfriend." She whispered.

She drew back and looked at me. I felt her eyes roam across my face and I saw her eyes flicker with surprise and confusion. "You are very lovely Jenna, please call me Fran." She looked at Matt then back at me and gave a tight smile. I suddenly felt very weird.

"Well.." She took a deep breath and waved us over to the table. "Sit, sit, you're just in time for brunch. You're father is in the study, Matt..can you go and get him please.." She turned to Matt.

"Yes. sure." Matt said while he pulled out her chair for her. I smiled at how much being a gentleman came second nature to him.

He rushed to my side and pulled out my chair. " I'll be right back, girlfriend." He whispered into my ear. I nodded my head in ascent and bit my lip. He knew I got flustered when he called me that, he could read me so well. I blushed at the thought.

I watched him walk out of the door. My boyfriend.

"I'm really glad you're here Jenna." I shifted my gaze to Francesca. "He never brings just anyone home to meet us, you know. You are very special to him. I can see it in the way he looks at you." She nodded knowingly.

I felt my face heat up.

She looked at me, her curled fingers resting on her chin. She stared at me with a scrutinizing gaze that felt like her thoughts were in a struggle. She took a deep breath and took hold of my hand. "Just remember my dear, my Mattie is a very stubborn boy, he feels and falls deeply, I have seen it happen before. Whatever happens, please don't give up on him."

I stared at her in shock. I really didn't have any good response to that. "What do you mean?" I questioned her.

"So..what did we miss?" Matt asked as he entered the veranda.

Fran just stared at me and gave my hand a reassuring pat. "Just a little girl talk." She answered back.

I swallowed and turned to Matt who was followed in by a man who had the same built as him. My apple didn't fall far from the tree. He looked a lot like his father, well except for his eyes. I stared at his dad. His dark hair was swept back and only had a few graying patches at his temples. His green eyes swept over me from head to toe. He was shorter than Matt by an inch or two, but brought with him a commanding presence that demanded respect.