here in the room with us. The last thing I need is for them to get the wrong idea.
Shit, why am I suddenly so nervous?
“Were you now?” My voice is high-pitched. Much too high to be normal. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I see Rome grin at my discomfort. I knew this was going to be a horrible idea.
The oven beeps, and the smell of my mother’s famous rolls fills the room, saving me from any more awkward encounters. For now, at least.
“Olivia, help me in the kitchen. I think your dad and Roman are heading next door, real quick, to look at his bike. Your father has been eyeing it, as if I’d ever let him have one.”
I nod, thankful for the reprieve. Pulling the glazed buns out of the oven, I set them on top of the stove, waiting for further instructions. We work in a comfortable silence, as we prep dinner, plating everything. Unable to help myself, I crane my head to peer out the front window, seeing if I can spot Rome and my dad next door. I hope to God they’re talking about anything else but me. I have a little more faith in my father than I do my mother. At least the doctor has some limits to his methods. I’m sure the only thing I really have to worry about is him psychoanalyzing Roman, too.
Good luck with that, Daddy Dearest. Roman is one tough cookie to crack.
“Crane your neck any harder, Olivia Rene, and you’ll break it.”
At my mother’s soft chiding, I snap my head forward, focusing on the task of transferring her potato salad into a nicer bowl. Heat crawls up my neck, and I feel the sudden urge to defend myself.
“I was just seeing where he and Dad went.”
“Mm-hmm,” she grunts, shooting me a look out of the corner of her eye. We take everything to the table, setting each place with the nice china and some cutlery. “How have you been? Taking care of yourself, I hope.”
My steps falter, as I pass her. I know exactly what she’s getting at, and my gaze narrows ever so slightly.
“I am.”
She purses her lips, as though she thinks I’m bluffing, and she plans to call me out on it. “I noticed you’re running low on your medication. Have you found a new doctor yet? We sent over quite a few options.”
Tension eases its way into every fiber of my being. “You went through my stuff?” There’s an edge to my tone that gives my mother pause.
“Not purposely, no,” my mom chirps, feigning innocence.
“You just happened to go looking through my drawers then, did you?”
She shrugs. “Couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I went searching for it. Sue me, Olivia.”
I blow out an exasperated huff, laughing under my breath, without humor. This is just like them, to come in here under the guise of missing me and instead, make demands like I’m incapable of caring for myself.
“I’m fine. Stop trying to force my hand. I’m taking care of myself perfectly, without your help.” She flinches ever so slightly at the dig, and I immediately regret it. She doesn’t deserve me acting like a complete shit to her. I don’t know what it is about this particular subject that always makes me so touchy. I can never seem to put my guard down. And I know she means well. She’s being a momma bear, and I have no right to take that away from her, no matter how many miles are between us.
I blow out a quick breath, expelling the displeasure. “I have looked at the list, and I’m thankful that you’ve taken the time to put it together. I promise, I’ll choose one soon, okay?”
She nods, though her face still looks unconvinced. Which I don’t blame her.
Thankfully, the guys come back inside, soon after, stopping all possible confrontations with my mother for the time being. Dad and Roman seem to be hitting it off well. They’re in deep conversation about car parts, as they wash up, before taking a seat at the table. The first initial minutes are awkward as all hell. I can’t help but shoot Rome a glance, trying to figure out what he could possibly be thinking about the whole situation.
I’d bet money he regrets agreeing to come.
We start to dig in, and thankfully, my dad is the one who picks up the conversation with Roman, since I’m suddenly incapable of speech. I find myself