This Is How You Get Her Back

Twenty-Six

"I want you to meet my mum."

I choked on my tea. Coughing, I set my cup down on our coffee table. I meet Alessandra's amused eyes with my watery ones as she rubs my shoulders to calm me down.

"Really?" I asked in excitement and shock and flattery.

She nodded. "Is that okay?"

"Yeah! Yeah, of course!"

Then it hit me.

"Oh no, what if she hates me? Should I get a haircut? Cover up my tattoo? Oh my go—"

She laughed. "Chill, Laur. It's just my mum."

"Are you for real? We're talking about your mum. She determines whether or not I stay in your life!"

She held my hand, calming my pounding heart. "You're staying in my life no matter what. Plus, I'm sure she'd love you."

"How can you tell? I mean, I'm not exactly visually traditionally acceptable," I said, alluding to the vertical line