Chapter 51

We gathered in the dining room. Damian and grandma, on the other hand, are in their room sleeping. Ollie was lying on the floor beside my feet. Mom introduced us after placing some drinks and pastries on the dining table.

The man’s name was Leandro Jilani. Apparently, he was our new neighbor. He transferred here a couple of weeks ago.

“How long are you going to stay here, sweetie?” Mom asked. She was sitting on the head of the table while Leandro and I were on each of her sides.

I shrug in response. “Probably for a long time… indefinitely.”

“What do you mean?” She leaned in a little bit more towards me, wearing a curious frown.

“I resigned.” I answered nonchalantly while staring at the pastries blankly. I was kind of guilty for doing that since I obviously took away their source of income. I wanted to return the huge money Cara sent to me but I don’t know how to. I finally decided to use it as my back up. Though I no longer have a regular job, I still do have my freelancing. I will focus on that.

My mom was stunned at my answer but she smiled anyway. “It’s about time you relax, sweetie.” She said, touching my hand. Her motherly warmth made me feel relieved. “You’ve been supporting this family ever since you’re a teenager. You’ve been missing out on your younger days all because you’ve been busy taking care of us.”

“I will do it all over again, mom. My family deserves the world.” I smiled, taking her hand and kissing it.

Mom grinned in return. “Oh, dear. Charming like your father.”

I slowly draw back and finally decide to ask her. “Mom, tell me. I know he’s not just a neighbor.” I gazed at Leandro who had been calm and quiet the whole time watching us. My eyes went back to mom when she clears her throat and moves uncomfortably in her seat. She starts to speak but Leandro beats her to it.

“Your mom and I are in a relationship.” He said confidently. The confession was obviously in haste. When I looked at him steadily, he was actually just trying to be confident. I could see in his eyes the hesitance and awkwardness. I’m impressed that he hid it so well. I’m sure both of them are waiting for my approval– especially this guy.

“Oh… I see.” I responded unaffectedly. The two were staring at me, waiting for a negative reaction. I sigh. “Mom, you know if it’s your happiness, you don’t have to consider my feelings. I’m a grown man who’s capable of understanding. And if you’re happy with him, I’m sure as hell happy for you.”

The two reached their hands and held each other. I could feel the warmth and sincerity on each as they smiled.

“Thank you, Lincoln.”

“Thanks, Dylan.”

They both said. I honestly do not have a problem with their relationship and I don’t think I’m in a mood to investigate if Leandro is right for my mom. I’m sure my mother already knows how good of a man he is. After all, she married my dad. They were both just teenagers when they had me. They still wanted to be together after I was born and they got married. I witnessed how the two loved each other so deeply. And mom is a good judge of character.

I asked them if I could retire early since I was exhausted from the trip. They both excused me as they continued to talk in the dining room. I actually dreaded the fact that mom will question me about Cara. That’s why I had to get away quickly. I know my mom wants me to know Leandro and bond with him but I’m sure she knows that I have a lot of time for that from now on.

I’m not so sure if I could easily escape if she asks me about my ‘fiancee’ though.

—

“Are you sure you don’t want to run with Leandro?” Mom asked while setting breakfast on the table.

I was surprised when I found out that Leandro is already living here with us. I didn’t want to be obvious about my surprise so I just acted out as if it was nothing. I wasn’t used to the idea of having another man in the house. I was always the man in the house and when my job was so far away from them, I was kind of glad to know that Leandro was here for them, especially how fate mixed me up with bad people. And besides, I’m not really in the right state of mind to be the only man in the house right now.

I knew my mom only wanted us to bond. That’s why she wanted us to do something together like going with him on his morning jog or doing chores. But the guy was highly active and I might not be able to keep up. It’s no wonder he had those bulging muscles.

I can’t help but compare Leandro and my dad. While dad was gentle and warm, Leandro was rugged and probably the manliest I’ve ever met in the male species. But they were both gentlemen and sweet, especially on how they handled the family.

I shake my head to answer her. “Maybe next time.” I see the faint disappointed look my mom is giving me. She’s been asking me to do stuff with Leandro for the past week. I feel like an ass to deny her request all the time. I just can’t help how I feel. I don't want to affect them with my mood. I knew that over time, they’re gonna notice that I’m not my usual self. I’m not ready to tell them.

“Promise, okay?” I reassured my mom. “I’ll try to sleep earlier.” Grabbing her hand and squeezing them before pulling away as she continued to set food on the table.

My mom pouts. “I must sound demanding. I know you sleep late because of your job. I’m sorry.” That’s how I cover my sulking– to say that I slept late because I was working.

I smile. “Don’t worry, mom. And besides, you told me that it’s bad to always sleep late. With me finally having the time to relax, I guess it’s time to change my routine.”

“Yes, of course. You know it’s bad for your health. I know it’s your work but you can’t always stare at the computer screen all day and sleep at dawn. You’ll end up sick.” She placed her hand on her hip as she started her lecture. I just smiled at her as I drank my coffee.

I spent the rest of the day with grandma, knowing she loves it that someone listens to her stories during her younger days. Sometimes the stories she shares are repetitive but I wouldn't have it in any other way. It makes her happy.

In the late afternoon, Damian and I take Ollie for a walk. Leandro knew our plan and decided to come with us. We strolled to a nearby park and let Ollie and Damian play. Leandro joined them later, probably realizing I was a boring company with how quiet and serious I was.

I really like Leandro for my mom. His feelings for her were obvious and true and I don't have a problem with him. It’s just that… there’s something about him that puts me on edge. It’s not like he’s not comfortable to be with. It’s just… I can’t explain.

He even gets along with Damian and Ollie so well. Grandma even said she loves Leandro and if she were younger and had the same age as him, she would marry him in a blink of an eye.

It’s when a few weeks had gone by that I heard Leandro and mom talking. It was after dinner and the two were washing the dishes. I was on my way to the fridge to grab some snacks and drinks for later. I plan to stay up late again despite my promise to mom. A client wanted an earlier deadline. I couldn’t refuse him because he already paid in full.

I stopped short as I heard my name. I stepped closer and hid behind the wall to eavesdrop.

“I don’t think your eldest son likes me.” The sound of dishes clanking together didn’t drown their voice.

“Give him some time. He and his father were so close. To this day, he still misses him. I know you try to understand him. I hope you’re patient enough to.” Mom teases but I could hear a hint of sadness in her voice.

“I plan to marry you, amore mio. I’m willing to wait. I’m sure I could break your son’s wall in no time. These guns are not for nothing.” They both laugh at his joke.

However, that conversation changes everything.