Realize (COMPLETED)

18.

Lisa

Anne Manoban, my beautiful mother with the absolute worst timing. I love her to death, but seriously?

Of all moments to drop by unannounced, something she never does, she picks this one? She strolled in looking effortlessly polished in a cream pantsuit and oversized sunglasses, carrying two grocery bags as if she owned the place.

"Good morning, sweety! Oh—" She barely spared me a glance before dropping the bags on the table and making a beeline for Jennie. "I didn't know you had company." Turning on the charm, she held out a manicured hand. "I'm Lisa's mother, Anne. And you are?"

If I weren't absolutely horrified by this unexpected introduction, I might have laughed. She's almost as bad as Rosie.

Jennie hesitated for the briefest moment before shaking my mother's hand, offering a small, polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm Jennie."

I could see it, the uncertainty beneath her calm exterior. Meeting my mother like this wasn't ideal, and I was just as uneasy watching it unfold. This could go one of two ways: really well or a complete disaster. For my mother's sake, I hope she doesn't say anything to set Jennie off.

"Well, Jennie, you're just lovely," Mom gushed. Then, without a second thought, she reached out and placed both hands on Jennie's belly. "How far along are you dear?"

I cringed. Oh, no.

Jennie stiffened, her eyes darting down as if she'd momentarily forgotten about the very obvious bump between them. "Um... six months."

"Mom, I—"

Before I could finish, she shot me a look that instantly silenced me, a clear don't even think about it, look.

"Six months! How exciting." Mom beamed, then turned back to me, finally acknowledging my presence. "Sorry for dropping by unannounced, but I figured you'd still be in bed. Looks like I was wrong." Her eyes flickered toward the table, landing on the half-empty juice glasses. "And it looks like you've already had breakfast."

I had no idea where this was going, but one thing was certain, I was in trouble.

"Yeah. I'd offer you some, but we ate it all." Best meal I've had in ages—not that I'm telling my mom that.

She simply smiled. "That's okay. Jennie here is eating for two. What's your excuse, Lisa?" She quirked an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes.

I rolled mine. She's a piece of work.

"Um, I'm going to take a shower. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Manoban." Jennie nodded politely and started toward the stairs.

"Oh, Jennie?"

She hesitated, her steps faltering as she turned back.

"I hope to see you again soon. Maybe we could do lunch sometime? Or dinner?"

Something softened in Jennie's expression. This time, when she smiled, it reached her eyes. With a small nod, she continued upstairs.

I bit back my own grin. She couldn't resist the Anne Manoban charm. Not that I expected her to actually follow through with my mom's offer—but the fact that she hadn't outright rejected it? That was something.

"Lisa, let's talk."

The lightness in my chest vanished as Mom motioned for me to follow her into the living room. She settled comfortably onto the couch, waiting for me to take the seat beside her. The moment I did, the interrogation began.