Chapter 88 The Moment Before Met My Future Mother-in-Law
Quinn's POV
"Your hands are really cold," said Grayson as he grabbed my hands after he stopped jumping up and down.
"Because the weather is cold and I'm... a little nervous."
The happy expression on Grayson's face immediately changed to a worried one. "Quinn, I really don't mind if we don't have to stay there. We can sleep at a hotel and go to my parents' house tomorrow morning."
I shook my head slowly and rubbed Grayson's thumb gently. "It's okay. Besides, think of it as a reunion. You haven't slept there in a long time, right? Your mother must miss you very much."
"But I'm not a kid anymore. Even if she misses me, she can't sleep with me or peek in on me while I'm sleeping to make sure I'm not secretly playing games."
"Oh, so you like to pretend to be asleep when you're not?"
Grayson scratched his hair. "I think all kids have done that."
I chuckled in response. Honestly, aside from trying to improve our relationship, my goal in meeting Grayson's mother was to improve Grayson's relationship with his mother. Because from what I've heard, their relationship has been strained since Grayson moved out.
As a fellow woman who also wants children in the future, I can sense that Grayson's mother actually loves Grayson very much. That's why she was so selective about finding the perfect daughter-in-law for Grayson. Besides, she would definitely be very happy if Grayson stayed at their house instead of a hotel.
I might not be able to completely restore Grayson and his mother's changed relationship, but at least I could try to improve it. That is, by not creating more distance between the two of them and not making them hate each other even more.
"Okay, I think we should go soon. You're cold. I don't think my jacket can keep you warm anymore." Grayson then rubbed his hands together and held mine. "On the count of three, we run."
I had just nodded when Grayson said, "three."
As a result, I wasn't ready to run and was simply pulled along because Grayson was already leading the way.
But it was quite exciting. The only downside was that it was a bit slippery, so I almost slipped several times.
Fortunately, no one fell and we made it to the car safely.
Grayson then turned on the heater so the cold gradually subsided. And now I could take off his jacket.
"Let's eat first before we go there," Grayson said after starting the car.
"Good idea. I want to buy something your mother likes. What is it, if I may ask?"
Grayson turned his head. From his expression, it seemed like he was going to refuse. And before that happened, I covered his mouth.
"I can't see her every day, Grayson. Besides, this is our first meeting. So let me do something that will at least make your mother think that I am the right woman for her son."
Grayson sighed. "Fine. But buy it with my money."
I shook my head firmly. "No, I'll use my own money. I still have some left in my savings."
"Quinn, come on."
Not wanting this argument to drag on, I kissed Grayson on the lips. "Please, just this once, let me use my money. After all, it's for my future mother-in-law, right?"
Finally, Grayson smiled again. He nodded and then kissed my forehead. "Yes, future mother-in-law."
"This one. It's the cheapest."
I glanced sharply at Grayson. We were at a pottery shop, choosing ceramic plates to use as decorations. Grayson said that was what his mother liked, collecting plates.
I wasn't surprised because she was a chef. So maybe plates were valuable to her. Especially if they were handmade and the only ones in the world.
"I want something unique and different from the others," I replied.
Grayson cleared his throat and then burped, rather loudly. I reflexively patted his very hard shoulder.
He just grimaced. "Hehe, sorry. I'm too full."
"That's why you should eat enough. You ordered so much, and there are only two of us. I'm not very hungry either, so you have to finish everything."
Just so you know, Grayson ordered almost half the menu. Even though it was a small restaurant that was still open, it was still too much. So I forced him to finish it all before leaving. After all, I didn't want the food to go to waste.
Grayson suddenly rested his head on my shoulder. "Why aren't you very hungry? Is it because of this meeting? If so, I'll postpone it so you can eat properly."
I pinched his waist playfully. "You have such a big mouth, Grayson."
"Ouch, that hurts. Your pinch feels like a red ant bite."
I deliberately teased him. "Want more? Come here. I'll give you more."
Grayson backed away and then ran away from me. This frustrated me because I was worried he would bump into the shelves full of beautiful porcelain.
"Grayson, stop!" I said a little loudly.
He did stop, but was about to run again when I approached him.
I took a deep breath and put my hands on my hips. "I think I've made my choice."
Grayson finally approached me again, albeit with funny movements as he tried to cover his waist with his hands. "Which one?"
I pointed to the shelf near the wall. "The top one. The one with a combination of white and blue."
Grayson followed the direction I pointed. His eyes widened. "Wow, that's so pretty. Just like you."
I rolled my eyes at his flattery. "Okay, that's it."
"Wait, let's see the price."
Before Grayson could read it, I pulled his arm and kissed him. I gently pressed my lips against his and wrapped my arms around his neck, standing on tiptoes.
Grayson returned my kiss, but as things started to heat up, I stopped him by covering his nose.
"We can continue later. We have to pay for it first so it can be wrapped nicely."
Grayson was still breathing heavily, our noses touching. "Okay, you promised. I'll collect them later. No dodging, no refusing."
I smiled and stroked his cheek. "Yes, gray bear. Now let's finish the process so we can rest soon."
Grayson bit his lip and smacked his lips. "Ah, you’re so adorable. If there were no one else in this store, I might’ve eaten you."
I quickly pushed him to the cashier before he lost control. "You're so impatient," I muttered.