"Seriously, how can you say it's trash if you haven't even given it a chance?" After a refreshing shower, Jeffrey felt a little revitalized. Shuffling in his slippers to the stereo, he decided to play a classic rock ballad to set the mood to dry his hair.
Karen stood there and watched his every move, feeling they were less like a one-night stand and more like an old married couple.
"What's with the dallying?" She thought, amused by his need to primp.
"Are you in a rush?" Jeffrey caught her gaze in the mirror with a teasing smile on his face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtKaren pursed her lips, choosing silence over a witty retort.
Just then, her phone started buzzing inside her purse.
She glanced at the caller ID: Kenneth.
Slipping out of the bedroom and into the living room for privacy, she answered, "Hey!" "Your mom and dad called me, worried ‘cause you haven't shown up at home. Didn't | drop you at your doorstep? Didn't you go inside?" "Um, well, | ran into a former classmate and we got to talking. I've decided to grab dinner with the classmate. I'm staying with Dad and Mom for a few days anyway, so there's no need to rush. I'll head back later." "Alright, just give your mom a ring, so she won't be worried." "Will do!" After hanging up, Karen was about to call her mother. But she hesitated, worried that Jeffrey might make a noise and give her away. Opting for a text message seemed safer.
Her message sent, and she made her way back to Jeffrey's bedroom.
Suddenly, the sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the house.
In the next instant, Jeffrey's parents appeared in the foyer, locking eyes with Karen.
Silence.
Jeffrey, hearing the commotion, emerged from his room with a towel casually wrapped around his body, and froze.
"Mom, Dad, you could've at least given me a heads-up before dropping by." Huxley Turner, recovering first from the surprise, coughed sternly to signal his displeasure before marching off. That left Paloma still processing the scene.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"You went to Swevia Country, and we came over to tidy up a bit. Why didn't you tell us you were back?" "Spur of the moment decision.” Paloma, her mind elsewhere, subtly signaled her son, "Honey, who is this...?" Jeffrey knew he couldn't dodge the question.
Stepping beside Karen, he casually draped his arm over her shoulder and flashed a charming smile at his mother, "Oh, | forgot to introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Karen!" "Who's your—" Karen started to object but caught herself as she met Paloma's gaze, "Yes! Hi, I'm Jeffrey's girlfriend." "You've got a girlfriend and you didn't tell us?!" Paloma seemed taken with Karen. Her initial confusion was replaced by an ever- lasting smile, "Karen, is it? Such a pretty name, and you've got a cute look about you! It looks like I've finally found someone who can keep Jeffrey in line!" Paloma, with her life experience, had already guessed what the young couple was up to when she saw her son step out fresh from a shower.
She just needed her son to confirm this girl's identity.
For the time being, girlfriend it was.
Karen found herself overwhelmed by Paloma's enthusiastic grip.
This turn of events was certainly not what she had anticipated! Worried about scaring Karen off, Jeffrey pulled his mother aside, "Mom, I'll explain everything later. Could you maybe..." "I get it, I get it! I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. Have a good night!" Paloma winked and discretely exited, leaving the couple to their unexpected evening.