The soft hum of the evening seemed to settle over the Zeller household as Claire cleared away her dinner plate. She stepped into the living room, the familiar coziness of the space wrapping around her. Just as she entered, she caught a glimpse of Lucas slipping out through the front door, his tall frame disappearing into the growing dusk. Mr. Zeller, as was his habit, donned his jacket and followed suit, likely heading out for his evening stroll. Yet, to Claire's surprise, Mrs. Zeller lingered behind, her sharp eyes fixed on Claire with an expression that could only be described as expectant.
"Claire, come sit with me for a moment," Mrs. Zeller said, her tone warm and inviting as she gestured toward the plush armchair beside her.
Claire hesitated but obliged, settling into the chair. She barely had time to register the uncharacteristic glint in Mrs. Zeller's eyes before the woman reached out, gently taking Claire's hand in her own.
"You mentioned you graduated college this year, didn't you?" Mrs. Zeller began, her voice carrying the practiced ease of someone skilled in drawing out information without alarming their subject.
"Yes, that's right," Claire replied, her brow furrowing slightly in curiosity.
"And what was your major?" Mrs. Zeller asked, tilting her head, her smile widening just enough to hint that she already knew the answer.
"Marketing," Claire answered, a touch of uncertainty creeping into her tone. The sudden interest in her education and career felt strangely deliberate.
"Marketing!" Mrs. Zeller exclaimed, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "That's simply perfect."
"For what?" Claire asked, her wariness deepening as Mrs. Zeller's excitement grew.
"Oh, for your career, of course!" Mrs. Zeller said quickly, though her expression betrayed her delight. "Have you started looking for a job yet?"
Claire paused. "Not exactly. I planned to start looking here soon now that I've settled in," she explained.
Mrs. Zeller's smile widened, though there was something in her expression that reminded Claire of a fox quietly stalking its prey. She leaned forward ever so slightly, her eyes sparkling with something Claire couldn't quite place.
"Well, that's just *wonderful*!" Mrs. Zeller said, clasping her hands together. "As it happens, Lucas's company is in desperate need of someone just like you!"
"Lucas's…company?" Claire repeated, her wariness giving way to a sense of awkwardness. She could see where this conversation was headed and wasn't sure she liked it.
"Yes, it's a match made in heaven, don't you think?" Mrs. Zeller pressed on, her tone too cheerful to be coincidental. "Marketing is such a versatile field, and you'd be perfect for the team. You'd gain great experience, and it would be a step in the right direction for your career."
Claire shifted in her seat, inching back slightly. "I don't know," she said cautiously. "I think I'd rather find a job on my own. I'd like to prove myself based on my abilities."
Mrs. Zeller's expression softened, her voice turning almost maternal. "Claire, I understand where you're coming from. But you must know how competitive the job market is these days. Even the brightest and most capable people can struggle to find a good opportunity."
Claire hesitated. There was a kernel of truth in Mrs. Zeller's words. Only last week, she had met an older classmate who was still juggling internships and part-time work, unable to land a permanent position despite two years of effort.
Sensing her hesitation, Mrs. Zeller leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. "Besides, it's not like you'd be joining Lucas's company just for the sake of it. You'd work hard and prove your worth just like anyone else. And I doubt Lucas would even mind. He's not one to fuss over details like this."
Claire bit her lip, unsure how to respond. The thought of working at Lucas's company felt complicated, to say the least. Given his barely concealed disdain for her presence, she doubted he'd be thrilled about having her in his professional space.
"Wouldn't he mind?" Claire asked cautiously, voicing her concerns.
"Of course not!" Mrs. Zeller said, her tone bright with confidence. She waved a hand dismissively as if the idea were ridiculous.
Mrs. Zeller knew her son better than anyone. Beneath Lucas's gruff and no-nonsense exterior, he was fiercely loyal to his family. She and her husband had nudged him into countless obligations over the years, and though he grumbled, he rarely outright refused.
"Well…I'll think about it," Claire said at last, unwilling to flatly reject the offer but equally uncertain about accepting it.
Mrs. Zeller nodded approvingly, but the conversation didn't end there. She shifted slightly, her gaze turning more serious. "There's something else I've been meaning to talk to you about," she began slowly.
Claire stiffened, the weight of the moment settling over her like a heavy quilt. She had a sinking feeling about what was coming next.
"Please, go ahead," Claire said quietly. After all, the very reason she had come here was tied to what Mrs. Zeller seemed poised to address.
Mrs. Zeller sighed, her tone softening as she said, "Claire, why are you still calling me *Mrs. Zeller*?"
Caught off guard, Claire blinked.
"It's just that…you should be calling me 'Mom,' don't you think?" Mrs. Zeller continued, though her voice carried a note of disappointment. Her brows knit together, and for the first time that evening, her jovial demeanor faltered. "Or is it that…you've come here to refuse our proposal?"
The room fell silent, the tension palpable as Claire grappled with how to respond.