Page 30 of The Gingerbread Bakery
Mac cleared his throat, suddenly less confident in the face of his mother’s scrutiny.
‘You know Annie,’ he said as if that made things less weird.
‘Annabelle Andrews.’ Her eyebrows rose even higher. ‘I didn’t know you two were friends.’
Annie bit back the words,I didn't know we were friends either,and instead she said, ‘Hello, Mrs. Sullivan, it’s nice to see you again.’
‘It’s nice to see you, too, Annie, although somewhat unexpected.’
Her gaze shifted back to her son. ‘I hope you were a gentleman,’ she said with a pointed look. ‘And that you remembered that it’s only fun ifeveryone'shaving fun. And in the bathroom cabinet we have plenty of?—’
‘I know!’ Mac cut her off with a wince. His face was bright red. ‘I know, Mom, but it's really not like that. Annie is just a friend.’
Mac’s mom looked skeptical at that assessment, but she gave a little shrug and let it drop. ‘Well, who’s hungry?’ she said, turning back to the pan on the stove. ‘I made bacon and eggs but I’m happy to throw on some pancakes if you’d prefer, Annie.’
‘Oh no, eggs are fine, thank you.’ Annie sat where Mac had gestured at the table.
He nudged her shoulder. ‘Sorry about that,’ he whispered.
Annie let out a small laugh. ‘Did your mom actually just remind you about the location of condoms in your house?’ she whispered back.
Mac’s face turned even redder, but he laughed with her. ‘Yeah, and to make sure both partners get off.’
More giggles spilled out of Annie even as her face heated with Mac’s words. What would it be like toget offwith Mac?
‘Now you’ve had a glimpse,’ he added, ‘of how horrifying my parents’ sex talk was for me.’
Annie snorted. Mac grinned at her from his seat next to her.
Mrs. Sullivan turned back to the table with two plates heaped with bacon, eggs, and toast. She looked like she was about to ask what was so funny but seemed to change her mind halfway to the table. Instead, she smiled at them like she knew exactly what was happening here. Annie wished she would fill her in.
They spent the rest of breakfast chatting about Annie’s plans and the upcoming holidays and about how Annie’s family was doing. Mac was mostly quiet, but after her initial nerves, Annie found it easy to talk to his mom. She was nice and funny, and Annie had always been good at talking to adults.
‘Mac was so attached to me when he was little,’ his mom was saying. ‘I couldn’t even put him down long enough to bring in the groceries without him screaming his little head off.’
‘Aww…’ Annie teased as Mac groaned.
‘Okay, Mom, I think that’s enough stories that make me look like a sad little mama’s boy for one day.’
His mom lovingly patted his cheek. ‘There’s nothing wrong with loving your mother,’ she said. ‘And next time,’ she said, turning back to Annie. ‘I’ll bring out the photo albums.’ She winked conspiratorially.
‘That would be great. I’d love to see them,’ Annie said, even as she wondered if there would be a next time that she sat and chatted with Mac and his mother after spending the night. It didn't seem likely.
‘We definitely don't need to do that,’ said Mac as he got up to clear the plates.
‘But you were so cute and chubby.’ His mom tried to take the plates from his hands. ‘I can get that. I’m sure you two have plans for the day.’
‘Actually, I really should get home,’ Annie said before Mac could jump in with his next great idea.
‘Yep. I’m wide open to get these dishes done for you, Mom.’
‘Okay, sweetie, thanks for that. I need to get to work anyway.’ Mac leaned down so she could give him a kiss on the cheek before she hurried out of the kitchen to get ready for her shift.
‘I like your mom,’ Annie said.
‘Yeah, I like her, too,’ Mac said, leaving the dishes in the sink for later. ‘She’s kind of the best, which is why I need to find her the perfect Christmas present this year.’
‘What do you usually get her?’
