“Oh, look at you being so embarrassed at the mere mention of him.”
“Am not.”
“You just stroked your nose, which is an obvious habit you do whenever you’re embarrassed. I wonder what this Jeremy looks like. Is he handsome? Does he treat you well?”
“Yes to both.”
“Aw, why didn’t you bring him home with you?”
“He wanted to come, but I said no.”
She retrieves a tissue and wipes my tears, then frowns. “Why?”
“Remember Annika?”
“Your cute new friend?”
“Yeah, the one who’s a mafia princess.”
“Of course I do. She was so well-mannered.”
“Jeremy is her older brother.”
I pause, waiting for her to connect the links together.
“And what about it? Oh. Is Annika against this?”
“No. She doesn’t know yet. It’s…their background. Russian mafia. He’s the heir to his father’s empire. The same father who nearly killed Creigh for being with Annika?”
“I see.”
“Finally. But why do you sound so casual about it, Mum?”
“Well, to be honest, I still can’t find anything off with that. Your father certainly would, but I want to hug this Jeremy for being there for you during a difficult time and even convincing you not to think like a victim.”
“But his family is dangerous.”
“The world is dangerous, hon. But we don’t hide from it. We don’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend all is well. If you want something, either you fight for it, or you let it go so someone else can.”
“I don’t want to let him go.”
“Why not?”
“Because I love him.”
Mum smiles and I pause at the words that left my mouth so easily, so naturally, without my even having to think about it.
It’s true. IloveJeremy.
If I wasn’t sure before, all the time we’ve spent together recently has made me certain.
“There you have it, your answer.” Mum kisses the top of my head.
“But…but what if he doesn’t love me?”
“Who wouldn’t love my beautiful baby?”
“The world isn’t you and Papa, Mum.”