Page 89 of A Play for Love

“Is everything okay, Rose?”

My eyes widened as I looked at Nathan.

“Mark, this is my daughter, Sofia, her fiancé Nathan, and my grandson, Nicholas.” She sighed. “This is Mark.”

“This is quite awkward,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ll go get dressed and head home.” He turned, walked back up the stairs, and my mother followed him.

“I’ll be down in a second,” she said.

I handed Nicholas to Nathan, placed my hand on my forehead, walked into the kitchen, and poured myself a glass of wine.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” I snapped at Nathan.

“What do you want me to say?” He laughed. “She’s your mom and a grown woman. Besides, I have my hands full with Aunt Barb.” He continued to laugh.

“Again, it was nice to meet you,” Mark said before leaving the house.

“You too, Mark.” Nathan smiled, and I slapped his arm.

“What is going on?” I asked my mother. “Who is that guy?”

“His name is Mark, and he lives a few houses down. I love you, Sofia, but you should have called first.”

“I shouldn’t have to. You shouldn’t be shacking up with your neighbor in the middle of the afternoon. Actually, not ever!”

“Relax, darling.”

“Relax? What if Ella was with us?”

“But she isn’t. You know, Sofia. I have needs just like you do.”

“Stop.” I placed my hands over my ears. “You don’t even know that guy.”

“And how long or well did you know Nathan before the two of you slept together?” Her brow raised.

“This isn’t about Nathan and me.”

“I can tell you this. I love California.” She smiled. “Anyway, thank you for picking some things up for me. That was very sweet of you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to shower and get ready. Mark and I are going to dinner tonight.” She kissed Nicholas on his head and went back upstairs.

“Come on, babe. Let’s go home.” Nathan grinned.

“Grin like that again, and that’s the last thing you’ll ever do.” I pointed at him and walked out the door.

“Sof, what is really going on here?” he asked as we climbed into the car.

“She doesn’t even know the guy, Nathan.”

“How do you know that? You’re not with her 24/7. He lives a few houses down. I’m sure they talk every day.”

“I want his last name so Simon can check him out.”

“Babe.” Nathan chuckled. “Stop worrying.”

“Like you all did with Henry?” I cocked my head.

Nathan sighed and drove us home.

CHAPTER32

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