Page 122 of Tiers of Joy

I’m finishing the last cupcake when the doorbell rings.

“Holy shit!” I jump.

“Calm down.” Gaige says and kisses the top of my head.

I walk with Gaige to answer the front door, trying to keep hold of my nerves. I have no idea how to speak to mothers. Mine was a bust and, well, Jay’s mum was a bitch from hell.

“Mom!” Gaige greets and pulls her in for a hug.

I stand back and nibble my thumb anxiously.

“Mom, this is Esme.” Gaige turns to introduce me to his mum.

She’s a tall slim woman with dark hair and dark eyes. She reaches forward and pulls me in for a hug.

Taken aback I awkwardly pat her back.

“Err, nice to meet you Fiona.” I stutter.

“It’s nice to meet the girl that captured my son’s heart.” She smiles.

“And it’s nice to meet err, you, his mum.” I rush out, still feeling nervous.

Gaige holds the back of my neck, giving me a gentle squeeze and stroking his thumb in a soothing motion.

“Mom, let me take your bags. I’ll put them in your room.” Gaige says as he takes her bags.

I notice she’s brought a lot of luggage. How long is she planning on staying?!

“I’d love a coffee, is there any in the pot?” Fiona asks.

“Oh yes! Sorry, baby brain. Let me get you a cup.” I smile.

I pour her a cup of coffee and hand it to her.

“No cream?” She asks.

“We only have whipping cream. Gaige drinks his coffee black. We have milk?” I offer.

She sighs.

“That will have to do.”

I hand her the milk. She scrunches up her nose as she takes her first sip of coffee.

I place the milk back in the fridge and grab the freshly baked cupcakes and cookies and place them on the side.

“Help yourself, I made them fresh this morning.” I say, taking a bite of a cupcake.

“No thank you, I don’t do carbs. I don’t want to pile on the pounds.” She states as her eyes sweep my body.

Did she just call me fat?! I swear I will shove this cupcake down her throat.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were on a special diet.” I respond politely, although I can feel my reserve close to snapping.

“I’m not. I hardly ever eat carbs and I if I do, it will only be the best.” She smiles tightly.

She did not just insult my cupcakes! That’s it, the bitch is getting a throat full of delicious cupcake.

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