Page 38 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

She smiles warmly and pats the chair next to her bed. “I could use some company.”

I sit down as she adjusts herself under the blanket.

“Oh, I think I missed my bed just as much as I missed my Sebastian,” she says with a laugh.

“Mrs. Kane—” I begin.

She shakes her finger playfully. “Call me Edna,” she insists.

“Would you like something to eat or drink?” I ask, thinking she might be hungry.

“No, no. I’m just happy to be home.” She lets out a contented sigh, and I can see the relief etched on her face.

“I am grateful for you, Ava,” she says, catching me off guard.

“I don’t understand,” I reply, unsure how to respond.

“You make my son very happy,” she explains, reaching out to tap my hand. “I haven’t seen him smile like this since he was a boy.”

Her words make me shy. Knowing the true nature of my relationship with Sebastian, I’m not sure if I deserve such praise.

“I’ve never said this to him, but I’ll say it to you,” Edna continues, her voice soft but firm. “I hope the two of you see more of each other.”

I feel a flicker of hope but keep my thoughts to myself, offering her a polite smile instead.

It’s hard to hear her speak with such joy about our relationship when the lines betweenreal and fake have blurred so much lately. Still, I’m glad that seeing Sebastian happy brings her peace, especially after everything she’s been through.

“Why don’t you get some rest while I make you a pot of soup?” I suggest.

Edna shakes her head. “After all that hospital food, what I need is a good steak and gravy,” she jokes.

“Sebastian might not think that’s a great idea,” I say with a grin.

“Oh, I’m just teasing,” she laughs. “Soup sounds lovely, dear. Thank you.”

While Edna rests, I head to the kitchen and set to work making vegetable soup. I may not be a master chef, but I can whip up a hearty meal when I put my mind to it.

Later that afternoon, Edna and I enjoy our soup together while watching an old movie.

“This is actually very good,” she says, giving me a nod of approval.

Just then, I hear the front door open downstairs.

“I’ll get it. You rest,” I say, setting my bowl down and heading to see who it is.

Sebastian stands in the entryway, holding a bouquet of flowers. At first, I assume they’re for Edna.

“My mom hates flowers,” Sebastian says, holding them out to me. “They’re for you, actually.”

I blink, surprised, then smile as I take them. Leaning up, I plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

“They’re beautiful,” I say, searching for a vase in the cabinet. I fill it with water and place the flowers inside.

Sebastian heads upstairs to check on his mom, but when he returns, he’s smiling.

“She’s fast asleep,” he says quietly, a look of gratitude on his face.

Sebastian brought home Chinese food, and the moment the scent of sesame chicken fills the air, my stomach grumbles in response.

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