Dinner with Jake

"Mom!" I stammered, my cheeks flushed red. "I didn't hear you come out."

Mom raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Jake and me. "I can see that," she replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. "You again?" Her brow arched as she stared at Jake, observing him.

Jake extended a hand toward her with a friendly smile. "Hi, Mrs. Miller. I'm Jake, a friend of Piper's."

Mom shook his hand, her smile warm and welcoming. "I know that, Jake. You were the nice gentleman that brought her home last night. Nice to meet you again, Jake. Piper didn't mention that she was having company today." She emphasized the last part, her gaze moving back to mine.

I felt like I was in the spotlight, the awkwardness of the situation weighing on me. "He just dropped me off from school... um, he would be on his way now. Won't you, Jake?" I nudged Jake's shoulder, silently urging him to play along.