Her mother blinked, eyes searching Ivy's, confusion clouding again for a heartbeat. "You did? I don't remember that."
"Well, I…I brought him to meet you." Ivy gave a terrified little smile. She straightened, smoothed her skirt unnecessarily, and gestured awkwardly toward the tall figure behind her. "This is Winn Kane." God, please let this go well.
Winn, for his part, had his hands casually tucked in his pockets. He simply stood there, waiting for the verdict.
Mary's gaze swept over him slowly. Finally, she tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "Isn't he too… aren't you too old for her?"
"Mom!" Ivy hissed, mortified, her face flaming red.
But before she could attempt damage control, one of the residents—a spry little woman leaned over conspiratorially and sighed dreamily. "He is yummy though."
The entire circle of women erupted into giggles. Ivy wanted the floor to open and swallow her alive.
