52 - The chapter with the talk with the mother-in-law

Rose

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt Christian's hand on the back of my neck, burrowing into my hair before pulling me into a kiss. I didn't think twice before responding, even though I was taken by surprise by this attitude.

I had never kissed him in front of people I knew before, and I must say it was a different feeling.

Christian pulled away with an amused expression, winking at me as his hand stroked my scalp.

" It's okay, I understand what you told me yesterday, Chris," Amber hummed beside me.

That phrase caught my attention, causing me to turn to the woman next to me.

" What did he tell you?”

" Nothing you need to know," he returned in a warning tone to his sister.

" Will you tell me when he's gone? " I whispered to her, receiving a complicit smile in return before the woman winked at me.

I felt surprised at how beautiful this woman was, and how much Christian looked like her.

" You're not going to talk to anyone," Christian whispered in my ear.

We spent the rest of the breakfast period in a pleasant atmosphere, I felt more and more included in this group. As soon as the meal was over, everyone got together to clean up the place and start preparing the Thanksgiving dinner.

For the first time I felt a little out of place, as Christian was busy with the rest of the group, and I couldn't follow him around, so I tried to be helpful in some way, even though sometimes I felt like I was in the way, so I was content to get out of the way since everyone was so well connected and worked well together.

I was already mentally cursing my boyfriend for leaving me there alone when my sister-in-law approached.

" Hey, you look lost," she commented.

" A little," I admitted.

" I could say that Christian was a jerk for leaving you alone when you don't know anyone, but most men, especially in this family, can't seem to think for themselves," she smiled.

" Besides, I don't need help figuring out that he's an asshole, I've known that since the first time I talked to him.” I completed, receiving a laugh in return.

She nodded for me to follow her, and I followed, feeling grateful to get out of the excitement.

" You two were a total surprise, everyone was expecting a typical couple in love at the beginning of a relationship. And what we have is a couple whose affectionate nicknames are asshole and annoying crazy woman." Amber smirked, leading me down a silent hallway "But knowing my brother's difficult personality, it would be almost impossible to work out with someone different. “

I knew what she meant. Christian did have a complicated personality, and if he didn't have someone challenging him all the time, it was likely that he would tire easily of the person. I knew this, because I was exactly like that.

" Christian is arrogant, overbearing, and thinks he is always right, and I am exactly like him, so in the end, I guess I know his limits and that's why it's working out," I shrugged.

My sister-in-law stopped in front of a closed door, turning to me.

" It seems that sincerity is not a problem between you.”

" I know that our way seems strange. And as he put it, I can be a completely insane bitch, just as he is a big asshole. But it was that insane bitch who traded a party on Halloween night to stay in the emergency room with him, and slept sitting on the floor next to his bed the next day just to make sure he would be okay. And it was that big jerk who hit a guy with a chair for trying to grab me at a party," I shrugged.

His smile broadened at my account, while I was surprised at my own sincerity. Our relationship might not be for real, but I would do anything for him without a second thought, just as I knew I could always count on Christian.

" Yes, I really understand what he told me yesterday," she blinked before opening the door and stepping inside.

I followed her into a small kitchen, where it was much less crowded than outside. There only Grace was with another girl, checking a giant turkey that was slowly roasting in the oven.

" What did he say? You're going to tell me, right? " I felt curiosity eating away at me, attracting the attention of the two women present.

" I think the exact words were I'm crazy about her and with her. She annoys me like no other, being around her makes me want to bang my head against the wall, but I can't stay away.” Amber related, making me laugh.

" Oh my God, that's just like him," I laughed, getting a surprised look from the younger girl, while Christian's mother shook her head with a small smile on her face.

" I wouldn't be too excited to hear that my boyfriend says I annoy him," the girl commented.

" What can I say? I am annoying," I shrugged, pretending not to care about what I had just found out.

Did he really tell his sister that he's crazy about me? I mean, the part about him wanting to bang his head against the wall is no surprise, I also feel like banging his head against the wall whenever we're together, but him being crazy about me, that's different.

" Is there anything I can do to help? " I asked.

" You can wash the Cranberries," Grace answered, "Abby, get the bowl for Rose.”

I approached the girl, taking the bowl she offered me before going to the sink, while Grace talked to her stepdaughter. Abby came over, watching me with a suspicious expression as I washed the berries.

" Why are you looking at me like that? " I asked, turning off the faucet.

Abby seemed to think for a moment before she decided to ask.

" Do you really like him? I mean, you thought it was funny that he told his sister he felt like banging his head against the wall when he was near you and tried to run you over. I've never seen someone in love act like that," she pointed out, making me laugh.

" And what do you think the actions of a couple in love are like? " I turned to her, attracting the attention of the other two women.

" I don't know, the guys here aren't exactly romantic, but…”

" Honey, each person has a way of being romantic. It's all in the attitudes," Grace pointed out, "Clay is very closed off, and every night he brings a bottle of water to our room, because he knows I get very thirsty at night and he doesn't want me to get up to get it.”

" Vihn loves old cars, but he bought a tricycle just to go with me when I want to ride," Amber said.

" Yes, for example, Christian has never told me how he feels about me. The first time I heard anything about it was now, and yet, he bought a helmet for me, because I am the only person he doesn't bother to give a ride to " I declared proudly.

That statement caused me to receive surprised looks, but Grace spoke again afterwards.

" What counts is not affectionate nicknames and all those clichés, but attitude. A person can make a declaration of love in front of a whole town, and not spend a night in the hospital with you.”

I bowed my head to hide a small smile. I shouldn't feel so natural and at ease talking about this subject. After all, it wasn't for real!

But still, that's what was happening