Differences

5.

My boyfriend pointed out to me that in the chapters prior to 4, Rome wasn't talking with a heavy accent, but all of a sudden, in 4, his accent was thick as all outdoors.

That was my fault. I didn't pay much attention to it when I re-read 3. Ignore the thick accent. I'm changing it back. I was thinking about my old book & forgot this is a totally different story.

Also, another thing I messed up: in this book, Rome is from Michigan; not Louisiana. MY BAD. Ignore that, too, but I'm back in my "Differences" mindset instead of "Love After War."

Alright! Enough rambling. Are you guys ready for this chapter? Me, too. Let me type something up really quickly.

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Claire Maureen Leonora Wilkes

My mom peered at Rome with utmost disgust but soon covered it with a forced smile.

"Claire," she said, tilting her head in the opposite direction. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

My lips stood agape as I stared at her.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" I said, followed by a nervous laugh.

"Well, I brought movies." She held up the bag filled with movies of different genres. "I was hoping you and I could have a mother-daughter night, but of course, that was before I found out you had plans." She said, returning her gaze to Rome.

If looks could kill, he and I would both be dead.

"Now, I'd like to be introduced."

I stood frozen in my tracks as Rome looked back and forth between the both of us.

"Mom, this is Roman. Roman, this is my mother, Angeline."

Rome outstretched his hand to her, which she reluctantly shook.

"Nice to meet you." He said.

"In due time, I'll know if I can say the same." She responded.

Rome smiled a tight-lipped smile.

"I'll pull the car around." He said. "It was really nice meeting you."

She smiled forcefully and watched him walk out of the door before returning her attention back to me.

"You got this hooligan walking around your house, Claire?! What the hell is wrong with you?!" She asked.

"He isn't a hooligan. I've known him for months, mom." I said as I tried to justify Rome and his existence.

"Why haven't you told me about him, then?" She asked.

I stared at her for a moment.

"Would you like for me to be honest?" I asked.

"Why would I want you to lie?" She said, sternly.

"He obviously doesn't meet your and dad's standards," I answered truthfully.

"Well, of course, he doesn't! Look at him! His body is marked in ink!"

"It's art, mom."

"Art? That's your definition of art. Some stupid tattoos on an ex-con." She said, pointing outside.

"Why are you so judgemental?" I asked her. "You show up unexpectedly, see me with a guy, and automatically assume he's trouble? No one will ever be good enough, except Harrison, huh, mom?"

"Are you two dating?" She asked, referring to Rome and me.

"If we are, what would be so bad about that?" I responded.