Page 176 of Make Me Trust Again
The corner of my mouth tips upward, but then I feel the hair at my nape prickle in awareness. Somebody’s watching me. Again. It feels like all eyes are on us since we got here, and I have to fight to shake the uneasy feeling away.
Pushing to my feet, Kyle slips his hand into mine, his attention still on the dog. “Do you think she’ll like it?”
Those big blue eyes find mine, waiting for an answer. Extending my hand, I ruffle his hair slightly. “I know she’ll love it.”
Looking up, my eyes lock on Rose’s immediately, but she’s not alone. My muscles stiffen under the hard glare of the older woman next to her. Her blonde hair is pulled into a low bun at the back of her neck, makeup tastefully applied; a set of pearls hangs around her neck, matching the silky shirt and knee-length skirt. She looks like Rose, or well, Rose looks like her, but at the same time, they can’t be more different. Because while Rose’s all about warmth and happiness, this woman seems like pure ice. The woman’s sharp blue irises observe me carefully, and I can feel them linger on my scars. I can see her cataloguing every little detail about me, probably noting all the reasons why I’m not good enough for her daughter. Rightfully so.
“Nana!” Kyle calls out, tugging at my hand. I let him slip out of my grasp, and he runs toward them. Rose’s mother lowers her gaze, some of that iciness melting the moment her eyes land on Kyle. A smile spreads over her lips, and she crouches down with open arms, giving him a hug.
“Where’s my favorite grandson?”she asks the moment Kyle pulls back, who giggles at that.
“I’m your only grandson!”
“But you’re still my favorite.”She gently jabs him in the side, which makes him giggle harder.“Are you having fun? Wanna go hang with Nana?”
Kyle shakes his head.“No, Chase promised me we’re going to do bumper cars next, and I can eat cotton candy.”
“Did he now?”Those sharp eyes shift to me, any warmth that was there disappearing as she stands taller. Then she spots Shadow, who’s standing by my side, and her lips press into a tight line.
She may be a whole foot shorter than me, but she lifts her chin as she zeroes in on me, making me feel like I’m a kid again as she raises her brow.
Not willing to let her intimidate me, I extend my hand toward her. “Chase Williams.”
Her eyes narrow even further, tension sizzling between us as the silence stretches. For a moment, I wonder if she’s going to ignore me, but in the end, she slips her hand into mine, giving it a firm squeeze. “Harriet Hathaway.”
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She hums noncommittally. “You dating my daughter?”
“Mom!” Rose hisses, glaring at her mother as the heat rushes up her neck, but she doesn’t pay her attention. One of those perfectly shaped brows lifts slightly as if she’s daring me to answer.
“Yes, ma’am.” I nod, without batting an eye, just as Kyle chimes in.
“Chase’s mom’s boyfriend. He likes dogs, and he makes her smile.”
Mrs. Hathaway harrumphs, the doubt written all over her face.“Does he now?”
“He does.”Kyle nods.“I really love Chase, Nana.”
He grins at me, and it’s like I’ve been sucker punched. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the genuine acceptance and love only a child can put in you.
I’m not the only one surprised, either. Mrs. Hathaway’s eyes widen, nostrils flaring slightly. She presses her lips together for a moment, as if she’s at a loss for words, before finally nodding to herself.
She gives me the once-over.“Well, then… If my grandson likes you, I guess you can’t bethatbad.”
“Mom!” Rose chastises. “Seriously?”
“What?”The older woman huffs, glancing down at her watch.“I have to get back to work, but I’ll see you tomorrow for family dinner.”That hawk’s gaze fixes on me.“All of you.”
It’s like she’s daring me to contradict her. To give her a reason to tell Rose I told you so. Well, she’ll have to try harder than that.
“Maybe we’re busy?” Rose asks, but her mother’s whole focus is on me, so I nod. “We’ll be there.”
“Perfect!”She smiles and turns to Kyle, kissing him goodbye.“Have fun today, buddy.”
She disappears in a blink of an eye, leaving us alone once again. Rose is watching after her, a frown between her brows as she shakes her head. “So pushy, I swear.” She turns to me. “She was so rude, I’m so?—”
“It’s fine. She’s worried about you.”
