Page 147 of All at Once

I brush my fingers across his neck, caressing his skin softly and wanting so desperately to make him smile again. “He’s lucky to have a friend like you,” I say. “And I’m here for both of you if you need me.”

When the slightest grin appears on his lips, a warmth fills my cheeks as he holds onto my hand with his hand that’s not holding onto the steering wheel.

Once we arrive at his mom’s house, I clock how charming it is, quickly noticing where Luca gets some of his creative influence from.

The walls are simple, painted a soothing shade of mocha, that’s contrasted by the many paintings scattered around the walls. I then spot a few vases filled with a variety of fresh flowers when a woman that has a similar shade of eye color as Luca lights up the room from the hallway.

Before she has a chance to greet us, Luca moves forward and kisses her on the cheeks as he says, “Mom, this is Jasmine.”

The nerves suddenly fill me. Wanting to make my best first impression, I go in for a hug at the same time she does. “It’s so nice to meet you,” I say. “Your home is very beautiful.”

She kisses my cheeks before studying my face in a way that looks like she’s trying to match a description that she’s been given from someone else.Could that someone else be Luca?I’m going to bet my chances so.

“Oh you’re more beautiful,” she says. “I’m happy I could finally meet you. I’m Alba. Would you like some tea?” I really start to notice not only the physical similarities between them but even more so the vibrancy of their personalities as she adds, “I was just on my way to have lunch with a friend so I’m sorry if I’min a little bit of a hurry.” She motions for us to sit at the coffee table by the kitchen as she warms up her kettle. “I think I have a few cookies here somewhere.”

While Alba rummages through a few cabinets, I insist, “Don’t worry about it. I wouldn’t want you to miss your plans.”

“Oh no, I have a few minutes to chat,” she offers with a warm smile before placing what looks to be a pot of Chamomile tea onto the table.

She takes a sip and then glances toward me. “I hear you live in Dove Cove? We really miss it there.”

I quickly sit up at the mention of my hometown. “Yes I do. My parents live there as well. Do you have a favorite spot?”

“Probably by the marina.” Her eyes light up. “I loved going to the restaurants and shops there.”

I smile. “I actually live right next to the marina. I think that’s my favorite part too. My best friend and I recently had lunch there on The Fourth of July, and it’s funny since later that same day I ran into Luca’s friend Enrique.”

Shit.Maybe it wasn’t the wisest decision to bring up the best friend of the guy I’m now dating who I’ve also kissed before. When will I learn to stop putting my foot in my mouth? I fear, probablynever.

“Yes, I heard.” Alba smiles. “It must have been nice to see each other after all these years.”

“Yeah. It was really unexpected, that’s for sure.” I laugh this whole conversation off awkwardly and then try to shift the focus back to Luca. “Not as unexpected as how Luca and I met though.”

Before I can further elaborate on our first encounter, she confirms everything I’ve been wondering about. “He told me. If anything is unexpected, it was Luca telling me how he metsomeone. You must have madequitethe impression. And now I can see why.”

I think the way my lips are curved right now is enough of a response for her as she smiles down at her mug knowingly. Although my expression couldn’t even begin to emulate the shock that fills me after hearing her words.

At least my mind’s functioning enough to compliment her vases as I motion toward them. “Your flowers are so lovely.”

Alba’s eyes somehow glimmer even brighter. “Thank you. They’re from my garden. I’ve been waiting all summer for the peonies to bloom, and they finally did,” she shares as she fondly turns toward her backyard.

“Really? Wow. Well they’re gorgeous. They also compliment the paintings so well,” I add.

Luca continues to quietly look at both of us in amusement as he takes sips of his tea, while his mom tells me, “Thank you for noticing those. My late husband actually painted most of these. Although my favorite is still this one that Luca made me when he was five. Here, let me show it to you,” she says before disappearing into the living room.

Luca places his hands onto his forehead, chuckling. “Why did I agree to this?” He continues to shake his head as I bite down on my smile, when his mom returns back with a small painting.

She carefully sets it down in front of us while I glance at the piece, wonderingwhatI’m even looking at. “Are those sea turtles?” I ask.

Luca scoffs. “Not this again…”

“Isn’t it so cute?” Alba marvels at her son’s artwork, most likely not even hearing what I asked before she goes back to the kitchen to fill up the kettle.

“They were supposed to be goats,” Luca finally answers my question.

I cover my mouth, trying my best to suppress my laughter before looking at him with pursed lips. “You know? I kinda see it now.”

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah. I’msureyou do.”

---