Finding Love in Winter Nostalgia

Chapter Ten

"Love, come on—it's ringing," I implore him.

You just called him "love".

Technically, he called me 'his love' first.

"Draco, I'm not meeting your mother," he says, pulling his ear. "At least, not yet."

"Babe, please." The FaceTime connects, revealing my beautiful mother. I beam at her. "Hi, Mommy."

"Hello, munchkin," she says in her comforting motherly tone. I notice Kairo laughing on the couch. He has paused his movie and is eavesdropping.

"I missed your call earlier; what's up?"

She sighs. "We had court before I called. Today was the final day. We're now waiting on a verdict. Baba was expressing his heartbreak about none of your brothers showing up for even a single court appearance, so I thought talking to you would help lift his mood."

I seriously don't care for your politics.

"I . . . I had no knowledge of any court appearances."

"Draco, don't lie to me. I'm your mother."

I know I'm a bad liar, but I can't be that horrendous.

"What makes you believe I'm lying?"

"Your hand." She prims up her lips.

Oh crap. The neck scratching.

She laughs as I slowly lower my hand.

"But everyone was instructed not to tell me, so I didn't check in because I couldn't find it in me to care enough."

"I knew one of them would spill the beans. We told them to hush it for your sake. We didn't want this affecting you."

"Oh, Mommy. You know I would never lose even an ounce of sleep over what happens in your little political lives, right?"

She shakes her head at me with a humourful expression. "How are things with Landiwe?" she asks suddenly, and my heart drops. "I'd like to invite her over this weekend. I haven't seen her since you left—although, we've spoken."

So, translation: "I knew Landiwe would spill the beans. This was only to assess her loyalty to you".

Dammit.

She won't hesitate to tell on me for my outburst. She'll make it sound as if I've lost control of my temper again, and that I'm mistreating her as a result. Given my track record, Mom and Dad will believe her with ease.

"Great." I sigh. "She was here this past weekend. She left yesterday morning." I'm surprised she didn't tell you.

"That's wonderful!" she exclaims delightfully. "And how was—"

"Mom—Mom," I cut her off. "Please. This is our call. I don't wish to spend it discussing my relationship. I . . . actually have a friend here who has been dying to meet you."

I look up and smirk as Kairo frantically shakes his head at me.

"Oh. Who is this friend?"

"Kairo. I've told you about him. We go to school together." And I'm sort of madly in love with him.

"Ahh, yes." She nods her head. "Your brothers won't shut up about you making a new friend. Let me see him."

"Uhuh." I beckon Kairo over. He mouths 'I'm gonna kill you' as he approaches. "Here he is."

He turns on his charm, smiling as he stands beside me. "Hello, Mrs. Brown."

"Sawubona, Kairo. My . . . you're handsome," Mom says, awestruck by the man beside me.