CHAPTERSIX
OLIVIA
They swung through the streets in Henry’s big, comfortable car. Olivia wasn’t used to being in such a luxurious vehicle, and it seemed as if they were completely isolated from the outside world. She watched him drive, her eyes soaking up the calm, focused expression on his face and his beautiful big hands on the wheel.
“I think we’re getting close,” Henry said, pointing through the next intersection. Olivia answered without thinking.
“Yes, I’d definitely like to get closer.”
Henry looked over at her, grinning. Olivia blushed furiously and giggled.
“That’s nice to hear,” Henry said, chuckling. Olivia looked away, covering her face with her hands. As they pulled up in front of the medical center, Olivia finally managed to get herself under control.
She opened her door to hurry onto the curb and help her mother, but Henry was already there, to her surprise. He must have moved like lightning. He already had one arm around her mother as he opened the car door with his other hand.
“I’m Henry,” he said in a calm, gentle voice.
“Maureen,” Olivia’s mother said, reaching out to give his hand a brief shake. Olivia could see her appraising him and hoped that her mother wasn’t going to say anything truly embarrassing.
“Lovely to meet you,” Henry said, smiling. “Do you need any help to get into the car?”
Olivia stood near the curb, watching her mother’s face change. She was looking Henry up and down with bright eyes and a small smile.
Uh-oh. Please don’t embarrass me, Mom.
Maureen’s eyes flashed at her daughter, and she winked. Olivia put a hand over her face and shook her head.
“Normally, I’d say no,” Maureen said, grinning. “But I don’t often have gentlemen as fine as yourself offering to put their arms around me.”
Henry’s face dissolved into a look of pure astonishment.
“But, why not?” he said with overdone shock. Maureen laughed heartily in approval.
“Let’s get a move on, then, you rascal,” Maureen said, holding out one arm. Henry chuckled as he supported her to step down the gutter and then settle into the back seat. Olivia heard her mother’s gasp of surprise as she settled into the deep, cushioned seats.
Olivia got in on the passenger side, glancing back at her mother. Maureen winked at her and mouthed, “keeper.” Olivia tried not to groan.
“Are we taking you straight home, Mrs. Jackson?” Henry asked. “Or do you need anything along the way?”
“Actually, I could do with a few things,” she answered. “But, please, call me Maureen. There’s no need to be so formal … Henry.”
Henry smiled at her through the mirror. “There’s a mall not far away. Should we stop there and pick up a few things for you?”
“That would be lovely. I don’t think I’m up to walking around the supermarket, though.”
“Perfectly okay,” Henry said. “I’ll set you up in a café and make sure you’re comfortable while we do your shopping.”
“Very kind of you,” Maureen said, grinning. Olivia risked glancing back and saw her mother really smiling, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Silence fell for a few moments as Henry pulled into the lot to find a spot to park. Olivia resisted the urge to drum her fingers against the armrest. She felt a need to fill the silence, but she really wasn’t sure what to say.
No one told me having my boyfriend meet my mom would be so stressful.
Olivia sat up suddenly. She was amazed by her own thoughts. Henry wasn’t her boyfriend, surely.
Not yet.
Picking up her mother was just a fluke, and Henry was being nice about it. There was nothing else to it.