Playing Dirty

Twenty Four

An awkward silence descended on the trio and Sam once more was subjected to another round of scrutiny from Ryan's mom.

"Ryan, please go and get the rest of my luggage." Kelsey said, while keeping her eyes fixed on Sam, a thoughtful expression on her features.

And leave me alone with her?

Panicked, Sam shifted her gaze to Ryan and caught his worried expression that mirrored her own feelings. She shot him a pleading look, silently begging him not to leave her alone with his mother and received an apologetic grimace in return.

"How about we both go, Mom?" His voice held a hint of desperation as though he knew this was one battle he had no shot of winning. "I won't be able to tell which bags are yours and might accidentally…"

"There should be two green suitcases, marked with the organization's logo." His mom cut him off, her voice firm and brooking no arguments.

Before he could think up another word, she smiled disarmingly at Sam, stepped close and hooked an arm through hers.

"I spy a coffee shop over there," She announced to two stunned people. "And I'm dying for a good cup of macchiato after the poison that passed for coffee on the flight. Sam, you don't mind accompanying this old lady, do you?"

Before Sam could get in a word edgewise, she was pulled along, struggling to catch up with Kelsey's brisk strides. She shot a helpless look over her shoulder at Ryan but he looked just as helpless to stop his determined parent.

In a daze, she could only follow along as Kelsey entered the shop and directed them to a table.

"Now," Kelsey began, once they were both seated. "We don't have much time before that son of mine comes to rescue you, so I'll cut to the chase. What exactly is the relationship between you two? And don't worry anything you say is remains strictly between us."

Sam felt her face heat. What exactly was the woman getting at?

"Ryan and I are co-workers, Mrs. Wilson." She replied, struggling not to squirm under that knowing gaze.

"Yes, yes...and you're his new boss," Kelsey added with a hint of impatience. "I'm aware of that, and will get to that later. But what I'd like to know is what you really feel when it comes to my son."

"I…"

"And please, there's little point denying what I can clearly see with my own eyes."

How did she even? Sam couldn't help but marvel at the woman's almost superhuman deductive powers. Or could it just be she was unintentionally wearing her emotions on her sleeves for the entire world to see? The thought was enough to worsen the pounding in her skull. With a barely concealed grimace, she absently reached out to massage her temple, mind frantically scrambling for a suitable reply.

Goddess, save me from meddling mothers.

All too aware of Kelsey’s expectant gaze drilling a hole into her thoughts, she sighed, recalling Ryan’s earlier warning about his mother and had to agree that overwhelming was a huge understatement.

“Mrs. Wilson, there’s nothing between Ryan and I, other than a working relationship.” She said firmly, careful to keep her gaze steady, fingers crossed underneath the table. “I’m afraid that’s all there is to it. A professional relationship”