On My Way To Mr. Right

Chapter 56

The Tuckers’ driveway was filled in with snow today. The snowstorm last night must have been generous here. I couldn’t even park in front of their house because the snow was too high. I had to park two blocks away. Worst of all, I wasn’t dressed for outside weather.

I begin to regret deciding to pop by James’. I haven’t even taken a shower today. I was in an oversized hoodie over my pajamas. That must be why the receptionist was disgusted with my presence earlier, too.

James’ mom should be home today because it’s Saturday. Ugh, it’d be so embarrassing to show up in this.

I started to retreat to my car, fully regretting my actions. But the knee-deep snow wasn’t making it any easier for me. And before I could take a second step, I heard someone calling me from behind. I was going to ignore it and pretend I didn’t hear.

“Charlotte, I can see you walking away.”

But it was James’ mom calling me, and it would be rude to continue to leave and James would probably hate me if I did that. Or would he think?

Ultimately, my conscience won.

I turned around and faked a huge smile at Mrs. Tucker who was in about three layers of clothing, judging from her robe and a visibly thick shirt from underneath.

“Hey, Mrs. Tucker. Um, I was just going to get something from my car. I, um, stupid me, I forgot my phone inside,” I tried to reason out as I clutched my phone tightly inside the pocket of my hoodie.

“Oh, well. You’re here now, dear. Come inside for a minute. I’m sure James would be ecstatic to see you,” she coaxed me inside the house and I had no choice but to follow politely.

“James, someone’s here to see you!”

“Who is it, ma?” I heard him shout back from upstairs. Damn boy doesn’t even leave his room.

“You have to come down and see her. It’s someone special,” she replies.

Instantly, we hear steps rushing down the stairs. But it stops abruptly. I looked at James who was wearing nothing but a tank top and loose boxer shorts.

“Charlotte?” he gasps, looking at me and proceeds to judge his outfit.

I shook my head, and let out a low whistle.

Ain’t that some fine ass?

“James Dylan Tucker, get your ass back in your room and put some decent clothes on. That is not how we greet our guests,” his mom scolded.

But damn, I wouldn’t mind looking at those exposed muscles all afternoon. His arm muscles flex as his eyes divert to anywhere but mine.

“Yes, ma’am.”

He jogs back to his room, but not before leaving me a flirty wink.

“That sly dog. He thinks he can get away with being naked in this house. Well, not in my lifetime.”

I chuckled at Mrs. Tucker’s expression. It wasn’t long before James emerged into the kitchen again. This time with a pair of boardshorts and a random shirt.

“Which beach are you visiting, again?” I joked, motioning to his banana-printed boardshorts.

“Shut up,” he rolled his eyes at me, bringing his dirty hands all over my face.

I threw it off me, feigning disgust. Mrs. Tucker laughs at the scene she witnesses.

“Aren’t you kids just darling?” She muses.

James’ mother was a young woman in her 40s, wide-eyed with bright blue eyes. It was James’ father that passed down those emerald rubes. She was as big and bubbly as they came. Her hair was a warm brown and curled up to her neck. Her skin was lighter than when I last saw her. She was of Hispanic descent and was usually darker-skinned during the summer. But the lack of sunshine was making everyone paler than usual. She was the woman who gave James his dazzling smile and charm. Mrs. Tucker lost his husband a few years ago. She has never dated anyone ever since. But her welcome has been a constant warm affection throughout my life. She knew me since James and I knew each other. She was a kind woman who never once hesitated to lend us, James’ friends, a hand.

“Mom, I’m gonna take Lottie inside my room for a second. Is that okay?” he asks and I found it endearing that he actually asks for his mother’s permission before hiding a girl out in his room. He looked nervous as hell, too.

“Oh, but I wanted to chat a bit with Charlotte,” she pouted, which made James sigh.

“But I only have her for a couple of hours,” he whined in return.

The two were in a pity contest now, looking at me directly in the eyes to see who I’d favor over the other. Of course, I was trying to earn some good points with James’ mother. James liked me enough, I didn’t need to prove anything to him.

“Babe, why don’t we stay down here for a while? I, um, haven’t had breakfast yet. We could stay and I could chat with your mom for a little bit?” I suggested looking over at my boyfriend who now held the same exact pout his mother had earlier.

He sighs but eventually gives up.

“Fine, but I want waffles,” he sternly directed his mother, who ‘hoorayed’ in silence.

“I always knew you were a dear, Lottie,” Mrs. Tucker grins, handing me a cup of orange juice. “So, how are your parents? I haven’t gotten the time to go over to one of his barbecue Sundays. You see, I lead this community’s meeting every Sunday to go over community stuff, issues with neighbors and stuff.”

“Um, they’re all right, I guess. We do miss you at our barbecues. James here is never the talkative type in a crowd. We barely hear anything about how you’re doing, Mrs. Tucker. But it is quite impressive what you’ve got going on with the community. Mom mentioned being quite inspired by your brave actions,” I responded politely.

James sat opposite me, glaring. But I don’t give him the time of day. He was acting like a child who needed his daily dose of hugs. Or maybe it was the lack of sleep making him grouchy.

His mother began preparing waffles for us, expertly whipping up a fresh batter from ingredients in her pantry. We continue to chat along, discussing my parents’ and her life, inserting some quip about James’ sour attitude. I tried to help her around, but the kitchen space wasn’t very big, and I didn’t really know my place in the kitchen. Once, I ended up having spilt orange juice over her chest. She had to change due to the spill.

“That is not one of the ways to get into my mother’s good graces,” James chuckled once his mother was out of earshot.

“Shut up,” I groaned. “You weren’t a big help, anyway.”

“I didn’t ask for breakfast.”

“Yes, you did. You specifically asked for waffles, you doofus,” I retorted, throwing him a tiny piece of my toasted bread.

His mother returns to the scene before he could retaliate, so he was forced to behave. But all along, James was throwing me taunting glares. While Mrs. Tucker’s back faced us both, he pulls my hair gently and sneaks a quick peck on my cheek, teasing me constantly. I sneered at him to stop but it only seemed to encourage his silly behavior.

“How about school, Charlotte? How have you been doing? Last I heard from James you were struggling.”

I chuckled, finding the irony in that response.

“Oh, I was struggling? Funny thing is Mrs. Tucker,” James pulls my hair again, almost yanking it back, kissing my mouth fully before letting me go, whispering a quick ‘shut up’ as he holds me steadily in my seat.

“Oh, nonsense, child. Call me Tess. I don’t fancy being called Mrs. Tucker no longer,” she chuckles, turning around at us, seeing the unsettled looks in our faces.

James would look anywhere else but at me. And ditto.

“Why are you two so silent?”

I squeeze my lips shut, refusing to let my laughter and butterflies get the better of me today.

“Um, nothing, mom. She’s just not very chatty when she’s hungry. Are you, Lottie?” James taunts, smiling a broad grin.

“Is that so?” I nodded for an instant, seeing James’ teasing eyes. “Well, I’m glad the waffles are done. Do eat, children,” she hands us a plate each with two waffles, beautifully decorated with a fruit compote and whipped cream.

One bite of it and I felt like I was in heaven.

“This is delicious, Mrs.– Tess,” I accidentally swallowed a big chunk of waffle on that one. “I mean, Tess. This is really filling.”

“Well, thank you, dear. That’s James’ favorite. The months that followed after Dylan’s death, ain’t no day his boy isn’t looking for those waffles. They used to share those together, you know.”

James blushes at his mother’s exposing comment and I pinch his red cheeks, teasing him back.

“Aren’t you the cute little boy who asked for waffles every day?”

“Ma, she doesn’t need to know that!” He whined but his mother only laughed, as did I.

We continued to eat and chat a little until our plates were empty. It wasn’t hard to empty them considering they were just heavenly-sent goodies. Tess finally allowed us to head over to James’ bedroom.

Once we reached the upstairs hallway, I ran to reach his bedroom to jump on his bed first. He tried to outrun me. But his short legs and useless arms were no match for my love of a good, comfy bed. I reached the room and immediately plopped into his queen-sized bed.

“No fair, you cheated!” James whines again after finally reaching the room.