Chapter 152 Progress

Chapter 152 Progress
Nathan: POV

I opened my mouth, but my brain short-circuited. What was I supposed to call her now? Ms. Lawrence felt too formal after all these years. Jennifer felt too casual given my... updated relationship status with her daughter.

"We brought supplies," Mia jumped in, saving me from my mental meltdown. "And Nathan has some medical contacts he wants to share with you."

Jennifer's eyes flickered between us, a slight furrow in her brow. "Well, come on in. It's too cold out there."

The house was exactly as I remembered it, but with new additions that made my chest tighten—prescription bottles on the coffee table, medical journals, nutritional supplements. Evidence of a life upended by illness.

I set down our bags while Mia naturally took my jacket and hung it up—an intimate gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Jennifer, whose eyes narrowed slightly.

"I brought some things that might help with treatment side effects," I said, finding my voice as I unpacked the shopping bags. "This organic ginger tea is excellent for reducing nausea. And this particular honey blend has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with throat irritation from chemotherapy."

I continued explaining each item, conscious of Jennifer watching me with increasing curiosity.

"You seem to know a lot about cancer treatment side effects, Nathan," she finally said.

"I did some research," I admitted, pulling out a folder from my briefcase. "When Mia told me about your diagnosis, I was devastated. But I also reached out to Dr. Ramirez at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He's one of the leading pancreatic cancer specialists in the country."

Jennifer's eyebrows shot up. "How did you manage to contact someone like that?"

"I've made some useful connections over the years," I explained. "He's willing to review your case and potentially see you in person. I can arrange a private flight to Boston whenever you're ready."

Jennifer looked genuinely taken aback. "I didn't realize Mia had told you so much about my condition."

Mia and I exchanged a glance, and I saw Jennifer's eyes track the movement.

"Mom, we also brought those historical novels you've been wanting to read," Mia interjected, pulling books from one of the bags.

We settled in the living room, the three of us forming an awkward triangle. Without thinking, I adjusted a cushion behind Mia's back as she sat down—something I'd started doing at my apartment without even realizing it.

"So, how's Nash doing?" Jennifer asked, referring to Mia's cat.

"He's actually staying with Nathan right now," Mia said with a smile. "They've become best friends."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "That's an overstatement. We've reached a mutual understanding. He allows me to live in my own apartment as long as I provide timely meals and don't disturb his nap schedule."

"Nash absolutely adores him," Mia countered. "You should see how he follows Nathan everywhere."

"Only because I'm the one who figured out he likes his food at exactly 70 degrees," I said. "Not cold from the refrigerator, not room temperature. Precisely 70 degrees."

Jennifer looked between us. "You two talk about Nash like he's your child."

Mia and I exchanged a glance that lasted a beat too long, and I saw something click in Jennifer's eyes. She watched as Mia unconsciously leaned against my shoulder.

Jennifer abruptly stood up. "Mia, could you help me get my medication from the bedroom? I can't remember which pills I'm supposed to take now."

As they disappeared down the hallway, I sat rigid on the couch, feeling like a defendant awaiting the jury's verdict.

The waiting was torture. I found myself staring at the family photos on the wall, noticing for the first time how many included me at various events over the years—Mia's high school graduation, Christmas parties, summer barbecues. I'd been part of this family's life for so long, but in a completely different role.

Finally, they returned. Jennifer's face was unreadable, but her clenched fists had relaxed. Mia walked directly to me, confidence in every step, and linked her arm through mine.

"Mom," she said, her voice steady and proud, "I've finally brought my boyfriend home. Nathan is my boyfriend."

I felt her arm tighten around mine, giving me strength. My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited for Jennifer's response.

Jennifer took a half-step backward, her eyes widening. "What? You and Nathan?" The shock in her voice was clear.

I watched her gather herself—a deep breath, a hand through her hair, a subtle straightening of her posture—transforming from a shocked mother to a composed woman in seconds.

After what felt like an eternity, she nodded slowly. "Mia always did have good taste in men," she said, her voice carefully controlled. "Nathan, I've known you for years. You're intelligent, hardworking, reliable. She could do much worse."

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly, though I knew this surface acceptance masked more complex feelings.

"Let's all sit down again," Jennifer suggested. "This calls for a proper conversation."

We rearranged ourselves in the living room, this time with Mia beside me on the couch and Jennifer in an armchair directly across.

Mia tried to lighten the mood, chattering about her latest design project, but I could feel Jennifer's eyes studying every interaction between us.

"I should get some fruit for us," Jennifer said suddenly. "You must be hungry after your flight."

When she returned with a platter of cut fruit, she immediately turned to me. "Nathan, tell me more about these supplements you brought. Which ones would you recommend I start with?"

I explained in detail how each supplement could help with specific symptoms, drawing on the research I'd done over the past forty-eight hours.
As I spoke, I noticed Mia watching me with pride, and Jennifer kept observing her daughter's expression.

"We should have dinner to celebrate," Jennifer announced. "It's not every day my daughter brings home her boyfriend."

"Please, let me help," I offered immediately. "I'm actually a decent cook."

Jennifer shook her head. "Today you're a guest, Nathan."

"I'll help Mom," Mia interjected. "You can relax a bit."

"Yes, darling, come help me in the kitchen," Jennifer said, giving Mia a look that left no room for argument.

From my seat in the living room, I watched them work together, Jennifer occasionally leaning close to Mia, asking questions I couldn't hear. I tried not to stare, but my eyes kept drifting to Mia.

I was so lost in watching her that I didn't notice Jennifer approaching until she was standing right in front of me.

"Do you always look at her like that?" she asked quietly.

I startled, feeling heat rise to my face.

"Come get some fresh air with me on the balcony," she said. "I think we need to talk."

I followed her outside, where the Los Angeles sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink. Jennifer stood silently for a moment, her back to me, before turning to face me directly.

Her eyes met mine with unwavering directness.

"Are you serious about her?" she asked, the simple question hanging in the air between us.