Dare to Trust by R Gendreau-Webb

cold,” Jannifer sarcastically told Mia. Her eyes narrowed on the girl as she took a good look at her. Jason had chosen a beauty. Maybe her son was finally getting serious about marriage and a family? Jannifer couldn’t help but wonder if the girl had any decent upbringing or pedigree.
    Mia had never been more mortified in her life. She didn’t know what she should do. She certainly was speechless. Unsure, she disappeared into the study. Jason followed her. “I am so sorry, baby. I never expected her to be here today. And she never comes over so early…” He was praying his mother hadn’t just screwed up what he had just decided was the most important thing in his life.
    Mia couldn’t wipe the look of surprise off her face. “She is certainly…something,” she finally said. “You didn’t tell her about me.”
    “No.” Jason hated the look of hurt that flashed in Mia’s eyes. “You just met her, can you see why? I wasn’t sure how to explain it to her.” He let out a big sigh. “I told you that I haven’t lived up to her expectations---I knew she wouldn’t take to you. Because I chose you and love you. I knew it would be a disaster when you two met.” He leaned down and kissed Mia. “I love you, Mia. And I didn’t want you to have to deal with her.” He gave a nervous laugh. “She had my wife picked out.”
    “Your wife?”
    “Yeah. Obviously, not you. So you see, anyone else wouldn’t be good enough in her eyes. And you are smart, sexy and beautiful. And I love you.” Jason kissed her again. “I’m sorry.”
    Mia wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. She felt sorry that Jason’s mother didn’t seem to realize what a loving, caring son she had raised. “Is she staying? Because if she is, I need some clothes.”
    Jason shook his head and let go of Mia. “I’m gonna go get rid of her and we can pick up where we left off…last night.” He gave her a boyish grin before heading back to the foyer.
    “I’m going,” his mother informed him as he approached. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Jason. There are a lot of gold diggers out there.” Before he could respond, Jannifer left.
    Jannifer didn’t interfere with the relationship nor did she embrace Mia. She wanted to see her son married and settled down with a family, not living with someone. And Jannifer went out of her way to relay that message to Jason anytime she could.
    At first, Mia tried to become friends with Jason’s mother. Mia invited Jannifer out to lunch and a day of shopping. It had been a disaster and Mia had returned home at the end of it, clearly upset. Jason had tried to warn Mia against it, but she hadn’t listened.
    “So how was it?’ Jason asked from the kitchen when he heard the front door open. Mia appeared and grabbed a beer from the fridge. Jason watched her for a few moments as she grabbed the bottle opened and removed the cap from the bottle, taking a long drink of the beer. Mia barely drank and certainly never in the early afternoon. Jason knew the day had not been a good one.
    “How did you grow up living with her?” Mia demanded. “Do you realize how negative and condescending she is?!” Mia took another drink. “She hates me,” she told Jason. “She told me you are wasting your time with me.” Mia took in a breath, let it out and gulped more of the beer. “She thinks you’re horny and you are going to get sick of me.” A look of hurt crossed her face and Jason could see tears forming in her eyes. He silently cursed his mother, knowing how brutal and hurtful that woman could be. “She called me a gold digger. Accused me of seducing you for your money.” Jason started towards Mia, intending to take her into his arms but she stepped back. “You were right---she does have your wife picked out for you. Someone with the proper bloodline and heritage.” Mia was beyond upset. Jason wanted to throttle his mother.
    “Baby, she’s a bitch. I warned you.” Jason gently took