Chapter Eight

“Hello, mum.”

“Justin, my love!”

Rose ran to hug Justin, who carried and swirled her around. By the time he put her down, she was laughing breathlessly.

“Justin, I have missed you sooo much.”

“I have missed you too, mum.” Justin replied, smiling and looked at her properly. “Wow! Mum, you look younger than I remember.”

“Healthy living, my darling. Let’s go inside. I still haven’t forgiven you for not seeing me first.”

“My sweet mum.”

“Stop flattering me, it isn’t working.” Rose said, pretending annoyance with her eyes twinkling with joy at seeing her baby.

“Soledad!”

“My darling Justin.”

Justin hugged and swirled her around too, with Soledad laughingly telling him to put her down. He put her down then put his arms around the two women. “Blessed am I amongst women.”

“Naughty boy! You haven’t changed, have you?”

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“I’m so happy you are back. Your room has been prepared for you.”

Justin looked at his mum as he stopped sipping his tea, “My room?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Don’t tell me you want to stay with Richard now.”

“I’m not going to stay with dad.”

“Good.”

“I’m going to get my own apartment.”

Rose looked at her son horrified. “Sweetheart, there are twenty rooms in this mansion. Surely you want to be close by me, don’t you?”

“Of course I will be close by you, mum. I will be in Peaceville. But in my own apartment.”

“I don’t like that.”

“Mum, I love you. But I’m not a little child anymore. I’m twenty four years old and I want to start my life with my career and eventually a family. I cannot be living under your husband’s roof forever, mum. I want to be my own man, living in my own place.”

Rose sat closer to her son and placed her hands on his arm. “Justin, I want you to be your own man. I want the best for you. You are my son and the love for my life. I just felt that now that you are back in Peaceville, you’ll be here with me and I wouldn’t be lonely anymore. That you would start your life here and even get married and have your kids here.”

“I’m sorry, mum. I have already made up my mind. I love you, mum. Never doubt that.”

Justin kissed her on her cheek and she smiled, “Fine. I accept your decision. And speaking about getting married, guess who is in the mansion right now.”

“Who?”

Kathleen walked in, smiling at Justin, “Hi.”

Justin stood up, “Oh, Hi Kat. It’s been a while.”

“Five years to be precise.” Kathleen replied, “Heard you are an attorney now.”

“Heard you are a CPA. You were always good in numbers.”

“So, you remember.”

“I rarely forget things.”

“Oh, this is perfect.” Rose said, smiling dreamingly, “I am ready to start preparing for a wedding.”

“Slow down, mum. I and Kathleen are not getting married.”

Kathleen laughed, “Oh Justin. It’s really good to see you. When are you moving back here? We would have some fun.”

“Justin said he would look for an apartment instead.” Rose told her ruefully.

“Well, I’ll be glad going apartment hunting with you.”

“Thanks. I really have to leave now, mother. Have a meeting with a potential client.”

“Already? I am proud for you.” Rose said, standing up also and hugging her son.

“So, am I.” Kathleen said, “See you around, Justin.”

“Sure.” He replied and left the house.

Rose looked at Kathleen, “I don’t think you would have any problem getting Justin to settle down with you.”

“Of course, Rose. I allowed Justin to slip through my fingers before. I wouldn’t let go this time.” Kathleen said, smiling in anticipated triumph.