31 • You're Like A Drug

◆ MAXIMILIANO ◆

My desperate mother was at it again.

If my father hadn't pushed her into the world of corporate finance, matchmaking could've been her full-time job. Her first prospect two years ago was Kel. Obviously that didn't work out. Now it was Adreana caught in her crosshairs.

Mamma was both subtle and overtly intrusive whenever she tried teasing us to reveal our "relationship status". And my date, being the textbook people-pleaser that she was, could only smile, laugh, and reluctantly agree to everything my mother threw into their discussion.

I sat inches away from Adreana, my bare foot touching her shoes under the table. For the past two hours, I tried to actively participate in their conversations, but only when they needed me to answer a question or give an opinion on something Luxoria-related, and whenever Adreana would ask about my past life in Brichese.

At some point, my brain refused to tolerate another round of chit-chats. So I excused myself ten minutes ago to do