Treyton had never felt so awkward in his life. He couldn't believe he would be fully introduced to his mate's Mother and best friend. He met Patrisha at the ice rink; she seemed friendly and humorous. She reminded him a lot about Trinidad. Laoise stared at Treyton; the Alpha never let anyone intimidate him. However, he was trying to get Laoise's approval.
Maeve felt awkward with the silence; she didn't expect her Mother and Patrisha to show up so soon and unannounced. The young woman glanced at Treyton and looked nervous. "I-I didn't expect either of you to be here. I wanted to decide what day would be best for you two to meet Treyton properly."
Patrisha served herself some coffee. "I knew that you would do that, but your ma wanted to meet your boyfriend."
"Boyfriend!?" Maeve and Treyton were still dating, but the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she and Treyton were a couple.
"Well, I wanted to make our relationship serious until I met you both," said Treyton while looking at Patrisha. "I can never forget you, Ms. Patrisha. It was a surprise when you were at the ice rink, but it was wonderful to see that Maeve had great friends to rely on."
"Well, aren't you a doll. Anyway, you can call me by my name or Trish. The word 'Ms.' makes me feel old. Also, that time we first met, I was just too curious about you since what happened with her now ex."
Maeve sighed as she poured herself and Treyton a cup of coffee. "Patrisha, I don't want to speak about Stephen."
Laoise crossed her arms as her sight never left the Alpha. "Well, if you two are going to become serious, then he needs to know about your past. You also need to know about his."
"Mam, le do thoil ná déan rudaí deacair (Mom, please don't make things difficult)."
"Níl mé anseo chun cluichí a imirt, a iníon. Má tá an bheirt agaibh chun éirí dáiríre, ba cheart go mbeadh a fhios aige conas mar a sheasaim (I'm not here to play games, daughter. If you two are going to become serious, then he should know where I stand)."
It was challenging to understand the Mother and daughter; Treyton felt they spoke about him. The conversation became tense. "What language are you both speaking? It sounds very beautiful." Treyton wanted to break the ice, hoping the topic would change.
"It is Irish Gaelic. I wasn't good at it until I married my fluent husband; he taught me and then taught Maeve," answered Laoise.
"Oh, right. Maeve did mentioned that she wanted to visit Ireland."
Laoise knew Treyton was trying to change the subject but was determined to get all the information she needed. Maeve was her only child, and Laoise wanted her daughter to be happy. The older woman wanted to ensure that Treyton was serious about her. "Yes, we were from Ireland, but Maeve was born here because of more opportunities in America. After my husband passed, we were never able to go back—too many memories."
Patrisha felt the tension, and she knew that Laoise meant business. "Well, Maeve said many nice things about you. The first time we met, was awkward, but you took it like a champ! I know not many people could handle that!"
Maeve and Treyton felt grateful that Patrisha tried to lighten the mood; they chuckled. "It was surprising at first, but it's a memory that makes the holidays memorable. If you remember my other friends who came to spy on me, you remind me a lot of Trinidad."
"Oh right! I remember her! Although I didn't have the chance to speak with her more, she reminded me about myself! I think we would have gotten along!"
The trio laughed, except Laoise. She cleared her throat, and everyone stopped laughing. "Back to the topic. I can't help but be curious about what of my daughter, caught your eye. Was it her youth? Her beauty?"
"Mother!?"
Maeve was ignored as Laoise continued, "I know that I'm being blunt, but older men sometimes try to get younger wives for their youth, fertility, and for someone to care for them as they grow older. I want to let you know that I will never accept a man who wants to use my daughter."
"L-Laoise! That's a bit excessive. I worry about Maeve too, but they're adults and still taking the time to know one another." Patrisha was astonished by Laoise's bluntness, but she was worried about Maeve. She could tell that her best friend was feeling embarrassed. "Besides, Maeve is intelligent enough to know what she wants. Treyton here was in agreeance of meeting us. It shows that he cares."
Laoise huffed. "Yet, some men play the part until they have the person in their grasp. Maeve may be an adult, but look at what happened with Stephen. He showed her the signs that their relationship was dying. What I worry about is that Maeve will do the same if they become serious."
Treyton noticed that Maeve looked hurt by her Mother's words. He wanted to gain her approval, but there were certain things that he would not tolerate. It hurt him to see his mate feeling hurt. "Ms. Laoise." Everyone's focus was on him. "I understand that you love and worry for your daughter. However, it hurt me to see your daughter feeling hurt for doubting her. She told me everything about her ex; I even met him. I also told him about my ex, whom she met yesterday."
Patrisha and Laoise became stunned. "You did!?' they said in unison.
Maeve nodded, but Treyton continued, "My ex knows about her, as does my son, whom she will meet soon. I understand entirely your disapproval due to our age gap. I know many people would feel the same, but you haven't had the time to know me as a person. How could I be judged if you don't know the true nature of my character? Don't underestimate your daughter. I understand that Maeve made mistakes; she's neither perfect nor I am. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them. What is the point of life if one doesn't have anything to learn from?"
Silence reigned again; Patrisha couldn't help but feel admiration for Treyton. She gave him and Maeve a thumbs up. Maeve looked at Treyton with longing. "H-He defended me." The young woman held onto Treyton's free hand. "Mom, I'm not asking you to accept Treyton immediately, but allow him to give you a chance to make you see what I see in him."
Laoise slowly stood up, and Patrisha looked at her. "They're right, Laoise. It would be best if you weren't too quick to judge. They-" Patrisha noticed that Laoise was swaying. "Hey, Laoise, are you okay?"
Maeve and Treyton also noticed, and Laoise swayed; a strong scent hit Treyton's nose. He sniffed the scent, and his eyes widened. He immediately stood. "No, she's not okay. We need to take her to the-" Treyton couldn't finish since Laoise lost her balance and fell forward, but Treyton caught her before landing on the small table. Maeve was in shock, but after seeing her Mother lose balance, she immediately stood and went to her unconscious Mother. "M-Mom! Mom!?"
"We need to take her to the hospital! She is ill!"
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