Unconditional

I am glad that you are with him

Ant's mam walks straight to Dec and extends her hand "I am Christine"

Dec takes it and shakes it worriedly.
My son deserves the best  "Hello ma'am"

Christine smiles gently at that and turns to other people in the room "Matthew, please ask Peter to file that report soon and Vienna, cancel all the appointments for the next two hours"

Vienna: "But ma'am-"

Christine: "Please do as I say Vinnie...this is of highest priority"

Matthew and Vienna look at Dec in wonder but walk out of the room.

Christine moves to her table to arrange the papers there and Dec stands in the middle of the room, confused and self-conscious
So this is how it's going to be

After placing a beautifully carved paper weight on the papers , Christine turns to Dec

Christine: "The wind here is horrendous at times. Come-on Declan, let's sit on that couch"

Dec : "Okay ma'am"

Christine laughs at him "Call me Christine Declan, I am Anthony's mother incase you don't know"

Dec: "I do. Not when Mr Fincham told me but later -" he was struggling for words, feeling uncomfortable and self conscious

Christine: "Sit down, pet"

Dec heart warms at that endearing, and he sits on the end of the sofa, facing Christine who to his surprise sits near him.

Christine: "How is studies going Declan? and sorry for the classes you miss today. I couldn't get any free hours as you can see"

Dec: "I understand, ma'am"

Christine: "Christine , Declan . You are my son's roommate

Dec nods at her wondering why she called him

Christine: "Thank you Declan, for looking after him yesterday"

Dec bites his lips at that "We went out yesterday, I didn't know"

Christine: "I know , I know. Johnny 's uncle told me"

Dec feels his palms sweating My son deserves the best

Christine: "Where are you from, Declan?"

Dec's eyes snap at her and she smiles
"I didn't read your bio as I wanted to know you like this"

Dec simply nods, feeling happy that she did so and tells her everything about him and his family

Christine hears it all with a genuine smile "That's a big family you got. Ant has two sisters Sarha and Emma"

Dec: "I know"

Christine: "He told you?"

Dec: "Once, just casually when we were talking about something else"

Christine: "Casually? What have you done to my son, Declan?"

Dec feels uncomfortable again

Christine: "Would you like a coffee , Declan?"

Dec: "No ma'am, thank you"

Christine sighs "One- don't call me ma'am. Two- if you don't dislike coffee, you are having one"

Dec: "Thank you Christine"

Christine: "That's better"

She moves to the electric kettle in the office and brews some coffee and comes back with two steaming cups and a plate of biscuits