The final guest

With one final squeeze of your own accord, you leaned forward and took Emma with you into a seating position, letting her get to her feet before you got up as well.

“I’ll get the door. Would you mind checking on Sarah? I have seen her since we were at school and it gives Rebecca a chance to settle in with less people around” you reasoned.

“On it” she said with a smile.

It sounded harsh to just send Emma away given the intimate moment you had just cut short but you were both in tune with how the other felt and you could tell she knew you were now getting yourself ready to manage all 6 of your subjects for the night. You still held her hand as you both walked into the hallway and gave it one last squeeze before you parted, you heading for the door while she went up the stairs to go and find Sarah.

Before you reached the door, you heard Emma chatting with Lucy at the top of the stairs, as if they were about to pass each other by, with Emma now thankfully helping you to keep her distracted while you went to invite your last guest in.

“Welcome!” you greeted, seeing a slightly anxious Rebecca on the other side of the door relax when she saw it was you who was answering.

“Hey! You told me the address but I still felt like I was gonna get lost” Rebecca replied, her fingers nervously holding her handbag and a gift bag that she kept in front of her.

“Well I’m very grateful that you could find the place. Come in, come in.” you said, ushering her inside.

You had already seen the outfit she was wearing thanks to the Eye of the Beholder usage earlier but seeing it on her and not just laid out on her bed was another thing entirely.

She wore a black sun dress that swished as she walked inside and past you, your eyes lingering over her every curve. What made it catch your eye was how close it felt like you could catch glimpses of her lingerie but it was always out of sight. From the selfie she had sent you earlier and the view you had got whenever she had passed a mirror, you hoped that she was still wearing exactly what you expected and just that thought alone was enough to draw your eye with expectations of what was to come.

“Am I the last to arrive?” Rebecca asked, dragging your attention back up to her face which held a knowing smile worthy of the attention you were giving her.

“You are but Emma and Grace only arrived a few minutes ago. I could give you the grand tour if you wanted? Or my Mom and Grace are off in the kitchen if you wanted to greet them? Orrr I’m happy to just stand here with you for a little while longer?” you suggested, giving her multiple options but making it clear which one you were hoping for as you closed the distance with her.

She relented and gave you a chaste kiss in the hallway but as if she was worried about getting caught, she kept it very brief, that same smile still stuck on her face knowing she had your attention.

“I think I should greet everyone before I go and run off with you” she teased, lightly bobbing you on the nose with her finger to keep you at bay.

“Fine fine. I’ll give you the tour later though” you replied, taking one of her hands and leading her towards the kitchen.

“Let me guess, the tour ends with your bedroom right?” Rebecca joked, relaxing even more as you walked.

“It’s like you read my mind” you responded, turning to give her a wink.

You felt Rebecca tense up again as you got to the dining room and her grip became even stronger as you turned into the kitchen, both Mom and Grace happily chatting away as you entered.

“Ah, we thought we heard something. It’s nice seeing you again Rebecca” Grace greeted, moving from where she had been standing near Mom to get closer.

You could see that Rebecca reached out a hand, expecting Grace to go in for a handshake. Instead, she was almost picked up in a hug much to her surprise.

“It’s… not to see you too” Rebecca replied with a strained voice, slightly struggling to breathe from Grace’s enthusiasm.

You looked around the two to see Mom hurriedly getting plates and dishes sorted while Grace had given her the opportunity, finishing up and then patiently waiting her turn to greet Rebecca.

The hug ended and both Mom and Rebecca faced each other with a hint of nervousness.

“I think we have met at previous parent-teacher conferences but that feels a bit formal now. You can call me Rebecca instead of Miss Ryan” Rebecca greeted, holding out her hand again.

Mom took it and gladly shook her hand instead of what Grace had done.

“I’m Mary… Honestly I’m a bit nervous around new people so sorry if I sound out of sorts. Max has told me wonderful things about you” Mom admitted, the stress of the meal making her jump to the chase and show some vulnerability.

“Why are you nervous? I’m the one meeting one of my boyfriend’s parents… I mean you did know about that right? I didn’t mean to come across as… “ Rebecca replied, starting to panic.

“She knew, you both know about the other” you interjected, trying to calm Rebecca.

“Yes it’s fine. But are you okay with me and Max? I mean we…” Mom went to reply, getting herself worked up.

“Yes! It’s fine… I’m fine with it…” Rebecca added, before falling into silence.

You and Grace watched as they both awkwardly tried not stepping on the others toes until they each looked over at the both of you, you and Grace failing to hold back a smile.

“Told you they’d get along. It’s like two peas in a pod. Do you want to put your bags down by the way?” Grace asked, politely trying to move the conversation along.

“What…Oh! Yes sure, but this one is for you” Rebecca replied, remembering the gift bag she was still holding and presenting it to Mom.

“Thank you. You didn’t need to bring anything though” Mom said, graciously taking the bag.

“Oh it was the least I could do after you invited me into your home. It’s lovely by the way” Rebecca complimented, still as polite as ever.

“I offered her a tour but…” you went to interrupt.

“And let me guess, you wanted to show her your room” Grace said with a smirk.

“Well it wouldn’t be a full tour without her seeing it” you responded, pouting slightly as Grace had guessed your intentions.

The joking at your expense did seem to lower the tensions however, as it was something the three of them could all relate to and as Mom pulled out a bottle of wine from Rebecca’s gift bag, Grace happily took it to start pouring glasses while giving you an appraising look you didn’t quite understand.