Clarabell's POV
Still locked in a piercing stare with Ryan, I wondered what other secrets he might have shared with my mom. The thought of deceiving her gnawed at me, but I couldn't bear to hurt her. I feigned choking on my food, grasping for my cup to break the intense eye contact. "I... uh... yeah, I met someone today." My stutter betrayed my unease.
"Ivy's her name. She's lovely, intelligent... that's all I know for now," I added abruptly, hoping to curtail the conversation. But Mom didn't take the hint.
"Would you like to invite her over for dinner soon? We could get to know her and thank her for showing you around," she suggested, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
I darted a glance at Ryan, and he responded with a sly grin. His chiseled features momentarily distracted me from my loa
