~ 017
Olivia's eyes widened at the thought of her mum finding out about her relationship with Brian. She had been keeping it a secret, hoping to avoid exactly this kind of conversation. "Mum, don't worry about it, okay? We're just friends, and that's all," Olivia said, trying to downplay the situation.
But Mum's expression suggested she wasn't entirely buying it. "We'll talk more about this later, Olivia. For now, let's just focus on finishing lunch," she said, taking another sip of her tea.
"Mum, you have to trust me on this," Olivia pleaded, her voice softening. Mum's eyes searched hers, as if looking for any sign of deception.
After a moment, she nodded slowly. "I do trust you, Olivia. But as your mother, it's my job to worry. Just be careful, okay? Don't do anything that'll make me have to start practicing my 'I'm disappointed in you' face." Olivia giggled at the thought of her mum's stern expression. "I will, Mum. I promise. And don't worry, I won't make you use that face... yet." Mum chuckled, and the tension in the room dissipated slightly.
The rest of lunch was eaten in comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional clinking of utensils against plates. But Olivia couldn't shake off the feeling that this conversation wasn't over yet.
As they finished up, Mum said, "Just remember, I have a Google alert set up for 'Olivia's Boyfriend' – don't make me have to investigate anything." Olivia's eyes widened in mock horror, and she laughed. "Mum, you're the ultimate detective!"
Olivia playfully rolled her eyes. "You're something else, Mum." Mum smiled, satisfied with having made her point.
As they cleared the table, Olivia's phone buzzed with a text from Brian. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly glanced at the screen.
Mum's eyes sparkled with knowing. "Boyfriend?" she whispered, raising an eyebrow. Olivia's cheeks flushed as she hastily typed out a response, trying to play it cool. "Just a friend, Mum," she said, attempting to sound nonchalant.
But Mum's knowing smile lingered, and Olivia wondered if she'd be able to keep her secret safe for much longer.
As Olivia finished responding to Brian's text, she couldn't help but sneak a glance at her mum, who was watching her with an amused expression.
"So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Olivia asked, trying to steer the conversation away from Brian. Mum smiled knowingly but played along. "I was thinking of doing some gardening later. Want to join me?"
Olivia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, I could use some fresh air."
As they headed out to the garden, Olivia's phone buzzed again. This time, she couldn't resist a smile as she read Brian's response.
Mum noticed and chuckled. "You know, Olivia, I'm not blind. I see the way you light up when you're talking to him." Olivia's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't deny it. She just hoped her mum wouldn't push the issue further... for now.
As they worked in the garden, Olivia's mum occasionally glanced at her with a knowing look, but Olivia tried to brush it off, focusing on planting the new flowers.
The sun was shining, and the fresh air felt wonderful. Olivia's phone buzzed again, and she quickly checked it, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Brian's message. "You're really popular today," her mum said with a smile, nodding toward the phone.
Olivia laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Just keeping in touch with friends," she said casually.
Mum raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. Instead, she handed Olivia another flower pot. "Let's get these planted before it gets too hot."
As they worked side by side, Olivia couldn't help but feel grateful for the comfortable, if slightly awkward, dynamic with her mum. She knew she'd have to have a more serious conversation about Brian soon, but for now, she was content with the easy silence between them.
As the afternoon wore on, Olivia's mum started to tidy up the gardening tools. "I think that's enough for today," she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Olivia nodded, feeling a bit tired but satisfied with the work they'd done. As they headed back inside, Olivia's phone buzzed once more. This time, she excused herself to take the call, her heart racing as she saw Brian's name on the screen.
"Hey," she answered, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in her stomach. Brian's voice was warm and gentle on the other end, and Olivia felt herself melting into the conversation.
Her mum watched her with a knowing smile as Olivia chatted with Brian, but she didn't interrupt. Instead, she busied herself making a cup of tea, occasionally glancing at Olivia with a look that said, "We'll talk about this later."
As Olivia chatted with Brian, she wandered into her room, closing the door slightly to get some privacy. Her mum didn't push for her to keep the door open, but Olivia knew she was being watched. She smiled to herself, feeling a bit like she was sneaking around.
After a few minutes of conversation, Brian mentioned plans for the weekend, and Olivia's excitement grew. "I'd love to see you Saturday," he said, his voice low and smooth. Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she agreed, trying to play it cool.
As she hung up, she took a deep breath, feeling a bit dazed from the conversation. She opened the door and walked back to the living room, where her mum was sipping tea and watching TV. "All settled?"
Mum asked, raising an eyebrow. Olivia nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah, just plans for the weekend." Mum's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she didn't press for details. Yet.
The rest of the evening passed quietly, with Olivia and her mum watching a movie together. Olivia's mind kept wandering back to Brian, and she found herself smiling whenever she thought about their conversation.
She knew her mum was curious about what was going on, but she wasn't pushing the issue... for now.
As the movie ended, Mum turned off the TV and looked at Olivia. "You know, I'm not trying to pry, but I do want to make sure you're happy and safe," she said gently.
Olivia nodded, knowing her mum was coming from a place of love. "I know, Mum. And I appreciate that. Let's just talk about it soon, okay?" Mum nodded, seeming to accept that for now.
As they headed to bed, Olivia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew she'd have to have a more in-depth conversation with her mum eventually, but for now, she was just happy to enjoy the flutter in her chest whenever she thought about Brian.