“That’s wonderful news.”
He smiled. “Thanks. It took a lot of weight off our shoulders, finding that place. I’m really just playing it by ear right now. But I’m in a good place with money. Dad hasn’t been around to say anything else about it. Thanks to Rae and Allison, things are looking up for my grades.”
Mom reached over and patted his hand. “Well, if you ever need somewhere to go, we don’t have much here. But you’re welcome to it.”
I nodded as my eyes found Clint.
“Yeah. You’re always welcome here. Okay?”
He smiled gratefully. “I really appreciate it. Thank you.”
“You seem like a great boy, Clint. I’m glad my daughter found someone like you. It was very sweet of you to check in on us the other night.”
He shook his head. “It’s not a problem. I was worried, so I figured I’d stop by. That’s it.”
“Well, thank you for it.”
I nodded quickly. “Yes, thank you for doing that. Even though I didn’t know shit about it.”
We all laughed softly before we went back to eating. Mom and Clint went back and forth with questions, warming my heart as to how well the two of them got along. I felt full of sunshine. Full of hope. Full of happiness instead of despair. We scarfed down dinner and he helped us clean up, washing dishes for me to dry while Mom put away the leftovers. We each poured ourselves some more orange soda before popping some popcorn. Then we settled ourselves in the living room for a movie.
Thankfully, I got Mom to put on a comedy instead another one of her romantic comedies. Which meant Clint and I wouldn't be bored out of our minds.
Mom stood up. “Oh, I forgot napkins. Does anyone want a napkin?”
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
Clint murmured with his mouth full. “Mm-hmm. Please.”
I snickered as Mom made her way out of the living room. I heard Clint swallow hard before he chugged back his soda. Then he gripped my chin.
“I’ve been waiting all night to do this.”
He guided my lips to his and his tongue fell against the roof of my mouth. I shivered against him, moaning softly as his lips pressed against mine. I opened myself for him. I tasted him for the first time that night and I felt heat pooling in my gut. I lifted my hand to cup his cheek, stroking the stubble on his jawline. Blood rushed through my ears, drowning out the sound of the movie as the entire world faded away.
That is, until Mom cleared her throat.
“Shit,” I hissed.
She tossed the napkins at me. “Save that for a time when I’m not here, got it?”
I giggled. “Got it, Mom.”
“My apologies, Miss Lucy.”
She pointed at Clint. “Protection, young man. Use it.”
My eyes widened. “Mom.”
“I don’t care that she’s on birth control. Use it.”
My jaw dropped open. “Mom!”
Clint laughed. “Noted, Miss Lucy.”
“Good.”
And as Mom fell back down beside me on the couch, I wanted to curl up and die from embarrassment.