while.”
Eliza
ELIZA
“What are we reading today?” my mom asked as she sat down on the other end of the couch where I was curled up. I glanced over and saw she had a book in hand, this one a biography we’d just received in a shipment this morning.
“I’m reading some rules on etiquette.”
“You should be good there, honey. Your dad and I worked hard to make sure you had good manners. Unless you’re scheduled to have tea with the Queen, I think you’ll be okay.”
“You and dad taught me everything I need to know, and my manners are just fine, thank you. This is actually a book on the Vietnamese culture. Rason has talked about his mom and mentioned some things that were completely foreign to me, so I thought I’d research.”
“Are you already at the meet his parents stage?”
“Oh no.” I laughed. “It’s only been a few days, but you know me. I like to be prepared.”
“Is that why you attempted to eat your breakfast with chopsticks this morning?”
“You saw that, huh?” I laughed. “It was horrible. I think I found all the pieces I dropped, but if we get mice, I’ll know why.”
“It was funny. For future reference, it’s customary to bring the food closer to your face when you want to put a bite in your mouth. You were holding your hand still and moving your head like a bird or something.” Mom moved her head back and forth, stretching her neck out.
“You’re so supportive.” I laughed. “Thanks.”
“Are you moving too fast, honey?”
“What?” I looked back up from my book and saw the concern on my mom’s face.
“With this man. Do you think things might be moving too fast?”
“No.” I furrowed my brow. “Do you?”
“I know you spent the night with him, and I’m worried that you’re jumping in with both feet. That’s not like you at all, honey.”
“I did spend the night with him. Both Friday and Saturday nights actually. I’m aware of the world around me, Mom …”
“He broke up with that bratty woman just last week. Was it even a day before you two ate dinner together?”
I shook my head. “You don’t know the whole story. Rason told me that …”
“I know what he told you, Eliza. But there are two sides to everything, and I want to make sure you’re looking at both.”
“I’m almost 30 years old, Mom.”
“Is that a reason to behave irresponsibly?”
“What’s irresponsible? We’re two consenting adults who enjoy spending time together. Our relationship isn’t based on sex. We started out getting to know each other, and yes, I slept with him, but there’s more there. I feel it.”
“You’ve always been careful. I think that’s what worries me. You’re not being cautious about this man.”
I sighed and thought about what I wanted to say to her before I blurted out something I’d regret. “I appreciate that you’re concerned for me. I really do. But I’ve watched him from afar for years, and he did the same thing with me. If you don’t take a risk, you won’t get the reward. I’m risking my heart by putting it out there, but the reward will come when he holds it gently and keeps it close to his.”
“You’ve read too many romance novels, Eliza.” Mom shook her head for a second and I could tell she was also taking care to form her words carefully so she wouldn’t regret them later. “You’re a grown woman, and I respect your choices even if I don’t fully agree with them. I don’t want to see you hurt, and I hope this man realizes what a gift he has in you and your trust. I hope you get the happily ever after that every woman dreams about. If for some reason you don’t, I’ll be here for you. But right now, I’ll stand in your corner and observe while you make the decisions that feel right to you. You may be 29, but you’ll always be my little girl. I’ll always pick you up when you fall.”
“I’m so lucky you chose me to be your daughter,” I whispered with tears in my eyes. I uncurled my legs and scooted closer to her on the couch. She put her arm up and let me snuggle closer for a hug. “I love you, Mom, and I’m trying not to overthink it, but I’m pretty sure I might already love him.”
◆◆◆
“What happened to your house?” I looked around in shock, stopping just inside the door. I looked up at Rason and