Crossing Paths

Eighteen

Sitting on the bottom steps, biting my thumbnail, worry starting to set in, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I mean, how would I even introduce Kian? No definitions had been set on our, whatever we were. And, given time I hoped we could figure out our definition together. Allowing him to meet her, might possibly scare him off. I didn't want that. The sound of the buzzer startled me from my thoughts. Guess it's too late to change my mind now.

Slapping a smile on my face I pulled open the door, "Hi."

"Hey." Stepping inside, "You ok? You're white as a ghost."

Nervous giggles erupted from me, "Yeah, I'm fine." Starting up the steps, "You sure about this?"

Smiling warmly, "Positive. Stop worrying. She can't be that bad."

"Trust me, you've got no idea," I warned leading him into the loft. Waiting for him to hang his jacket, I noticed her waiting at the table. She'd made herself a cup of tea, her hands laced in front of her on the table. "Mom, this is Kian. Kian, my mom Emily."

Stepping closer to reach across the table, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Sterling."

Her hazel eyes slithered over his tattoo covered wrists, "Nice to meet you, Kian." Glaring at me for a moment, before turning her full attention back to him. "Sorry, my daughter has neglected to mention you. Who are you exactly?" Her knuckles turning white.

Both of us sat in the seats across from her, "I'm Kian Hayes. And, I've been dating Rylan for a couple of weeks." Trying hard to keep the surprise from showing on my face, until he reached over lacing our fingers together. Nope, all the surprise I'd been hiding I'm sure, was clear as day written all over my face. A warm smile filled his lips as he placed our joined hands on the table.

"Really?" Sarcasm drifting from her as she peeked sideways at me. "I hadn't heard." Her tone smooth as a lion prowling it's pray. "Please, tell me more. How did the two of you meet?" Straightening in her chair ready to listen intently.

His head turned to me, smiling again, he gently squeezed my hand before starting to draw tiny circles on it with his thumb. "We're in the same math class," He answered still staring at me.

"So you met during class?" Her question drawing his attention.

Chuckling, "Well, I noticed her in class. But, no, that's not where we actually met." Again a gentle squeeze followed by more tiny circles.

"We met the night I went to the bar." It was my turn to spill some information. Lacing our fingers tighter, I felt like we were a team. For the first time in a very long time, I had someone by myside, helping me face her inquisition. I could have cried from the feeling alone.

"Huh," Eyes narrowing on me, "Please, I'd love to hear the whole story. It sounds captivating," Pouring on the sarcasm until it hung thick between us.

Kian glanced at me so I gave him a slight nod to continue. I couldn't believe how relaxed he was. If it wasn't for his hand anchoring me to the table, I'd have been running for the hills.

"I noticed Rylan our first day of class. But, it took me a while to get my courage up enough to talk to her. So a few Friday's ago, I kicked myself in the ass. Told myself, 'today's the day'. Except Rylan had other plans."

"How so?" She asked resting her chin on her hand.

"She disappeared before I could talk to her." He chuckled at the thought.

"Heart breaking." Her eyes shifted between us, "Amazing how easily girls slip away unnoticed." Her eyes zeroing in on me, making sure I didn't miss the double meaning behind her words.