Page 73 of Sweet Deception

"I really appreciate that mom … but I have a car." I grip my hands in my lap, trying not to fidget while I wait for Mom's reaction.

She waves her hand, dismissing it. "Your father hated that you bought that car. Even if you did have it fixed, he wants it replaced."

I shake my head. "No Mom. I have a new car. Luca got it for me."

Mom's jaw drops, and she sits back, staring at me. After a second, or two, or five, she blinks. "He bought you a car?" Lowering her brows, she leans back in. "A new car?"

Wincing, I nod. "I get it. It sounds crazy since we're so new, but he's like Dad." I lift my shoulder in a shrug. "He's protective, and he hated that car as much as you guys did. When my car had issues, he arranged for it to be towed and a new one delivered to my apartment. I tried to argue, but he wouldn't have it."

"Oh. Wow. When you said empire, you meant it." She still looks shocked.

"Yeah. I don't know how much he's worth, but I don't think a car will set him back." I lift my shoulder again.

"Well, this will be interesting to explain to your father." She frowns down at her empty plate.

I wince again. "I'd rather not be a part of that conversation if that's okay with you."

A laugh explodes from her. "It seems we all have fairy godmothers looking out for us."

The server breaks in at that moment, bringing my mom back her credit card and wishing us a good day.

After thanking him, she pulls the receipt to her. "If you're not in a hurry, I'd love to go shopping with you. I need a few things and if we can't buy you a car, then we can buy you some new clothes …" She looks up from signing the merchant copy and trails off after looking at my face. "What's that face for?" She asks, pointing the pen at me.

"Uh, well … I kind of already have a new wardrobe, as well." I scratch behind my ear while scrunching my nose. Mom's eyes drop to what I'm wearing and she frowns.

I follow her gaze and realize why. I'd purposely worn an older pair of jeans and t-shirt so she wouldn't question my new clothes. "Uh, I didn't wear any of the new clothes. I wasn't sure what you would think." I bite my lip and gauge her reaction.

Mom blinks. "Let me get this straight. Your new boyfriend who you've only been seeing for … what? Three months? That you keep saying is casual. Has bought you a caranda new wardrobe?" Her stare is direct, making me want to look anywhere but at her. Instead, I nod.

I'm a little scared.

She tilts her head and squints. "Did you go out and find yourself a sugar daddy?"

My eyes go wide, blood draining from my face.

She laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you. You'd never be with a guy for his money. I know you better than that." She chuckles, looking down to put her credit card back in her wallet.

I swallow down my panic and try to respond as if I'm not guilty of what she just accused me of. "Jesus, Mom."

Shame sneaks its way in, making my eyes water. While mom is distracted, I try to get control of my emotions. No, I'm not with him for the car or the clothes, but I'm still with him for his money. The only thing I have going for me is that if you take that all away, I'd still date him.

I try smiling when Mom looks up from putting her wallet away, but I'm not sure how much I succeed since she stills.

She places her hand on mine while studying my face. "Honey, I'm sorry. It was just a joke. I'm sure you tried to argue against the expensive gifts, but if he really is anything like your father, he would've brushed it aside." She retracts her hand and reaches for her espresso. "Just be sure to show him in other ways that you aren't with him for his money. If he's as wealthy as you say he is, he's probably used to buying his girlfriend's expensive things." She shrugs, then drinks the last of her coffee. "It may be how he shows his affection. Just try to remind him that his time is more important than his money."

"I will. Thank you, Mom." My voice comes out hoarse. Sighing, I move to follow her out of the restaurant and vow to myself I'll do as she advised. Just because we have a contract doesn't mean I can't take care of Luca in my own ways.

When we climb into her car, she glances at me. "Do you have time to keep me company for a bit of shopping? You can help me pick out a few things for your dad—he's lost so much weight—and I could use a couple of new dresses for work."

"I do and I'd love too," I say as I buckle myself in.

Mom beams as she does the same. "I'm so happy to spend time with you today."

"Speaking of, what do you say to going to yoga with me? I haven't looked into where or how much it'll cost, but it's something I would like to try."

She eyes me speculatively. "Is this for Luca?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

"Mom!" I yell, surprised at what she's implying. Even though she's right.

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