"How do I look?" Jake had been silently watching me get ready. He was leaning against the headboard on the bed. The way he looked at me did alien things to my body.
"You are beautiful Emma, whatever you wear."
"What are you thinking? What's with the smile?" I cooed shyly.
"You know I never imagined I would be sitting in this room, and a girl would be getting ready in my dresser. Now that it's happening, it feels surreal, makes me so happy."
I gave him the most genuine smile and went ahead to hug him.
"Come, let's go, mom is waiting for us".
Jake held my hand throughout. He gave me an assuring look before we entered the room and sat down at the table. His mom was already there, sipping tea, I guess.
"Good Morning, mom." Jake gave her a quick peck on her right cheek before settling down.
"Good Morning, son, Emma." She said warmly while giving both of us a soft smile.
"Good Morning, Mrs. Richmond". I stuttered nervously.
"Oh, call me anything but that darling, Pamela or Pam works too, that's what my friends call me." She began pouring tea for us, a small smile formed on her lips.
"Sure, Pam," I murmured.
"I am so disappointed, Jake, when were you planning on telling me? Your apartment was set on fire, and if I hadn't received confirmation from Augustin, I would have never known."
"Mom, it's all under control now. I didn't want to worry you." Jake's tone was humble and apologetic.
"Worry me? I am entitled to be worried if my son is in trouble. I have talked to our close contacts in the law enforcement body. This case will now go to the FBI. I don't want any loose ends in the investigation."
"Mom, relax, I have it covered." Jake persisted.
"No way. I was about to board for Japan when I heard the news, and instead, I took a detour here."
"Japan? I didn't know you were heading there."
"It was last minute, darling. In fact, your Aunt Macy has left already. There is an upcoming two-week deliberation of an institute, called the SGI. Your aunt follows it religiously, and wanted me to try."
She took another sip and continued, "She thinks it will help me heal and move on in life. She enrolled both of us."
"Wow. That's great mom."
"Yes, but I guess I will cancel it. You need me more here."
"No, please mom, I insist. Carry on. I will keep in constant touch, I promise. In case anything goes south, you can always fly back."
"Oh, darling. I won't be at peace, leaving you alone here."
"No, just trust me. You shouldn't be ditching Aunt Macy at the last minute too. And I am not alone, mom. I have Emma with me." Jake reached out and held my hand, intertwining our fingers together.
"Yes, I can see. Emma, I have heard a lot about you. My son is really fond of you, and I hope it's likewise from your side as well."
"It is Pam. I am very fond of him too." I looked at Jake and gave him my most loving smile.
"I am so happy to see you happy Jake, you two looks perfect together."
"Thanks, mom, it means a lot to us." Something warm and assuring tugged my heart. Having his mom approve our relationship made me happy. Very happy indeed.
"You are right. I think Emma is here to take care of you, so I would rather join Macy in Japan. I will fly out tomorrow morning."
"Great. I will make the arrangements."
"Thanks son, and promise me you will visit me in LA along with Emma, once all this settles."
"I will. I promise".
The rest of the breakfast went pleasantly. Pam talked a bit about my job and parents, and then a lot about Jake's childhood memories. After having breakfast with her, I felt I got to know Jake better now.
I headed back to our room and was looking for my office bag. That's when Jake entered the room as well.
"Well, that went well. See, she loved you." Jake hugged me from behind.
"Did she? Did she say that?" The excitement in my voice became evident.
"Not explicitly, but I know my mom, I could see it in her eyes. She would have never agreed to go to Japan if she didn't trust you."
"Yes, I agree. Aunt Macy is your mom's sister, right?"
"Yes, her younger sister. They are very close. She has been by mom's side ever since dad left."
"That's nice, Jake. It's comforting to have somebody to rely on."
"Yes, absolutely." He gave me a soft kiss on my cheek from behind. Minutes later, my office bag caught his attention, "where are you heading?"
"To work?"
"Nope, not today."
"Hey, I have a lot of pending work on the Norway project." I insisted.
"Yes, I have a lot of conference calls too. But mom is here for a day, let's just work from home today. She is looking forward to spending the rest of the day with us, only if you are comfortable with it?"
"Of course. Sorry, I didn't think about that. Let's have a day in. Anyway, it's the weekend already." I turned around and kissed him softly on his lips.
As planned, we both worked through the day while we had lunch and dinner with Jake's mom. She was excited about Japan.
Aunt Olivia had been at her best service. She prepared everyone's favorite dishes throughout the day. My stomach could explode any minute now. It's been a while since I last ate so much home-cooked food all day, I missed my mom's cooking.
I needed to call my parents soon.
However, spending my first day in Jake's world felt special, heartwarming.
