+) Chapter 9 Part 2 A Call and Dangerous Teasing Jenny agreed.
“Yes, let your nephew come.
He’ll be happy to.
And honestly, it’s safer with a family member.
Plus, being your knight in shining armor?
That’s an honor for him.” Mom considered it.
She’d seen those online stories too rides that turned dangerous.
Having Kevin come with Ze really was the safest choice.
She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, then opened her phone again.
She found Kevin’s number and dialed.
The phone rang twice, then connected.
“Hello, Auntie?
What’s up?” Kevin’s voice came through, cheerful and attentive so different from my silence.
“Kevin, I’m at the XX Hotel with my friends.
I’ve had a little wine, and I don’t want to take any risks.
Could you and Ze come pick me up?” Mom asked.
A brief pause.
Then, “Auntie, wait for me.
I’ll be there soon.” “Be careful on the road,” Mom said softly.
She hung up, relief washing over her.
“My nephew’s on his way.
Now you can all stop worrying.” “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Grace said, patting her shoulder.
“This kid’s reliable.” Jenny smiled.
“You’ve got a good one there.
Helps with the kids, comes when called.
Maybe he’s your secret admirer?” The women exchanged knowing glances.
Grace, emboldened by wine, raised her eyebrows dramatically, winking at Mom.
“Ohhh, Victoria, your nephew sure is eager to please.
Always ready when you call.
He must be trying very hard to impress you, huh?” Jenny joined in, teasing.
“Right?
The speed, the attitude wow.
Looks like your charm works on all ages!” Mom’s cheeks flushed.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling shyly.
“You two, stop it.
Don’t say such things.” Grace leaned in, lowering her voice with a sly grin.
“We’re not saying anything false.” Jenny added, grinning.
“And hey your nephew?
I’ve seen how he looks at you.
That stare, like he wants to devour you whole.” Mom’s face burned.
She shot them a mock-angry look.
“You’re impossible!
He’s a good kid.
Don’t go imagining things.” “Good?” Grace drawled, stretching the word.
“I don’t know.
Eyes don’t lie.
You said it yourself his look isn’t just respectful.
There’s… something else in there.” Jenny nodded.
“Exactly.
Victoria, admit it someone like you, so beautiful, so full of grace… it’s natural for a young man to have feelings.
He’s in his prime, after all.” Mom couldn’t keep up.
“Enough!
If you keep this up, I’ll never let Kevin stay at my house again.” “Oh, don’t be like that!” Grace laughed.
“We’re just teasing.
But seriously your nephew does care about you.” Jenny nodded.
“No doubt about it.” Mom sighed, a hint of pride in her voice.
“Maybe he’s just a good listener.
With your uncle away, I’m the one holding everything together.
He probably just feels bad for me.” Grace smirked.
“Feels bad?
I think that ‘bad’ might mean more than you think.” Jenny giggled.
“Yeah.
Maybe he loves feeling bad for you.” Mom shook her head, defeated.
But in her mind, she replayed moments with Kevin the way he looked at her, how attentive he was.
Was there really something more?
The thought flickered; then she shook it off.
I’ve been drinking.
They’re making me imagine things.
Just then, a knock at the door.
“Auntie, I’m here.” The door opened.
Kevin stepped in.
He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, his hair slightly messy, his face flushed with urgency.
In his hand, he held the sleepy hand of a small boy Ze, rubbing his eyes.
“Auntie,” Kevin said politely, then turned to the women.
“Hello, Aunts.” “Ohhh, here he is!” Grace cooed, her eyes darting between Kevin and Mom, searching for hidden signals.
Jenny smiled.
“Come in, come in.
Thanks for coming all this way.” Kevin grinned sheepishly.
“No problem.
It’s my duty.” His eyes settled on Mom, full of concern.
“Auntie, are you okay?
You’ve had a lot to drink?” Mom shook her head, smiling.
“I’m fine.
Just a little dizzy.
Ze, come here, let Mommy see you.
My little sleepyhead, are you tired?” She stepped forward, gently stroking his hair, her eyes soft with love.
Grace couldn’t resist.
“Aww, look at this!
So sweet.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was a family of three!” Jenny laughed.
“Right?
Kevin, standing next to your aunt, you look like the perfect protector!” Kevin’s face turned bright red.
Inside, he was thrilled.
“Auntie, please, don’t tease me.
I’m just here to pick up my aunt.” Mom shot them a look.
“You two, stop it!
He’s just a kid.
Don’t scare him.” But even as she scolded them, a strange warmth stirred in her chest.
Looking at Kevin his slightly heavy build, but strong, dependable she couldn’t help but replay the women’s jokes.
Grace grinned.
“Just a little fun.
But you’re so protective of him.
You do care, don’t you?” Jenny added, “Yeah.
Why so defensive?
Got a secret?” She winked.
“Victoria, don’t pretend.
We all know you’re irresistible.
And Kevin well, he may not be handsome, but he’s young, strong… and clearly devoted.” She gave Mom a knowing look.
Mom rolled her eyes, but then she let go.
With a soft, playful sigh, she said, “You know… after all you’ve said, I might actually be a little flattered.
Kevin is a good boy.
And if I had a nephew who was so… attentive… well, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”