Alisha's soft chuckle behind me eases some of the tension in my shoulders.My mother ignores my comment—shocking—and marches toward the kitchen.The moment she spots Sam, she freezes.
"Oh, good heavens."Her hand flies to her chest, and for once, I see genuine emotion crack through her perfect facade.
Samantha sets down the cupcakes she's holding, nervously biting her lip.The gesture is so familiar—soWalker—it makes my chest tight.
"Mom," I clear my throat."I'd like you to meet Samantha.And Samantha, this is my mother, Carmen Walker."
"H-hello," Sam manages, her eyes darting between us like a trapped animal.
What happens next stuns me.My mother—who hasn't shown genuine affection since my father died—crosses the room and pulls Samantha into a tight hug.I narrow my eyes, confused by this display from the woman who taught me that emotions were messy, unnecessary things.
Alisha's warm hand finds mine, grounding me as I watch my mother embrace my daughter.When she speaks, her voice catches.
"My goodness.Cole was right when he said you had the Walker genes.You have the same beautiful eyes as your grandfather."
The mention of my father hits like a physical blow.My fingers tighten around Alisha's as memories threaten to surface.Samantha's wide-eyed plea for help over my mother's shoulder snaps me back.
"Mom, can you let go of her?She likes to breathe, if you don't mind."
She releases Sam immediately, but the questions start firing like bullets."How are you doing?Is your father treating you well?"
I watch my daughter's careful response, pride swelling as she handles the interrogation with grace."I'm doing well, thank you.Cole has been very kind to me."Her fingers fidget with her ponytail—another Walker trait."Would you like something to drink and a cupcake?"
When silence falls thick and awkward, I step in."Hey, Mom, why don't we go into the living room and talk while Samantha and Alisha get the coffee, tea, and cupcakes?"
As my mother walks away, I turn to Alisha."Can you check on Sam?See if she's okay?"
"Sure."Her understanding smile makes me want to kiss her again, mother be damned.
But first, time to face the dragon in her lair.
When I enter the living room, my mother perches in her chosen chair like it's a throne, her gaze fixed on the kitchen.I sink onto the sofa, already exhausted by what's coming.
"My lord, Samantha is a Walker."For a brief moment, genuine emotion flickers in her eyes.Then, like always, the mask slides back into place."So, where is Samantha going to school?"
The tension in my neck doubles.Here we fucking go.
"Why is that important, Mother?"
"Because she's a Walker, Cole."She straightens her spine, fixing me with that familiar steel gaze."She deserves an excellent education.Does she have any particular...talents?"
The demons I keep locked away rattle their chains at her words.Images flash through my mind—a grand piano, sheet music scattered across polished floors, my father's proud smile, blood on ivory keys...
"Don't go there, Mom."My voice rises despite my effort to stay calm."She's going to an excellent school."
"Please tell me it's private.I have connections—"
"Mom!"The word cracks like a whip."I don't need your help.I'm handling it myself."
Her jaw sets in that familiar stubborn line.Like looking in a mirror."I'm only trying to help you, since you don't have experience with parenting."
I exhale between clenched teeth as she glances away, biting her lip."Mom, I..."
The girls' entrance cuts me off.Samantha carries the cupcakes while Alisha manages the drinks with practiced grace.As she bends to set them on the coffee table, my body responds to the view.I shift, trying to redirect my thoughts from this morning's bathroom activities.
Samantha claims her favorite corner of the couch while Alisha settles beside me.My hand finds her leg automatically, needing her warmth to stay grounded.
For over an hour, my mother dominates the conversation.I watch her watching Samantha, calculating, planning.When she finally rises to leave, relief floods through me.
