I gasped. No one ever acknowledged me respectfully. I’m typically Stenton’s baby momma. So gross. This guy’s approach was soft and respectful.
Stenton sighed, slightly exasperated. “Because you accurately titled her, I’ll entertain you, Kenneth.”
Just then, my phone sounded of a text. It was Ruth, sending a picture of a house with a message.
This will be Mommy’s house in nine months! Stenton old ass is a’ight!
I eyed the large house, ranch style, white shutters, and beautiful yard.
“So, are you two officially back together?” the man, who I then realized was a reporter asked, hopefully.
Stenton chuckled, almost bashfully. “Only if I was a lucky man could I call Ms. Barrett mine. I’d love to, but it’s something I’d have to earn. I hope not to fail her the way I did the greatest city ever.” His eyes twinkled at me.
My heart enlarged from his subtle hinting at the possibility of a formal relationship and me having just learned of him purchasing a vacation home for my mother. Her dream home. What was going on here?
“Now, my photographer is outside ready for a few shots of you. I would hope you wouldn’t hide your handsome faces. It would be a shame,” Kenneth pouted.
Oh, he was laying it on thick.
Stenton only nodded to acknowledge Kenneth’s covert manner of asking if we would play nice with his pap. He left without pushing for more. I was happy; I had questions.
“What?” Stenton asked, his brows narrowed.
“What?” My eyes shot up to him.
“You’re making that sound with the back of your throat. What’s going on?”
Here we go. “Did you buy my mom a house?”
Stenton didn’t answer right away. He instead took a long swig of his Malbec. Eventually he spoke. “Yes.” Though his gaze was steady, his tone was shaky.
“Why?” My confidence mimicked his, I just hoped he didn’t notice.
He sat up in his seat, taking a deep breath. “Because Sarah has been one of a few whose support hasn’t wavered for me, even though I…brought confusion to her doorstep. She’s been a rock for me when…” I could swear his voice cracked. “Well, when others turned their back. She always reminds me that there’s more to me than fucking balling.”
I winced, but quickly centered myself. I nodded my understanding, not being able to speak from the torrent of emotions running through my head. I didn’t recognize them all, but one I did. I was aroused.
By the time we made it outside, there indeed were flashes, and from two distinct cameras. I tried to cover my face because of my buzzed eyes from the wine, only to have Stenton pull me into his side and push my hand down. My head whipped up at him, challenging his move. But when our eyes met, we laughed like silly teens. He made me giddy all over. The cameras flashed until we were pulling off in his Bugatti.
There was nothing but silence on the short ride back to my apartment. I didn’t know what to say to him. Didn’t know which question to go with first to begin my quest to finally understand just what this thing was between the two of us. He’d been so firm in his answer to the reporter. He’d just bought my mother her dream house. Where would I begin? I didn’t. Or at least not in the car, using words.
With his security driving behind us, Stenton kept his eyes on the road, but they were laced with preoccupation. He was in heavy thought himself. I wondered what he was thinking and if it resembled my thoughts of his presence in my life.