"I was terrified every single time she showed up," Eric said with a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I swear, my heart stopped whenever your mother walked into the house."
"I know."
Jeanne smiled knowingly and gave a small nod.
"It was written all over your face every time my mother appeared. You looked like you were preparing for your own execution."
Eric let out a helpless chuckle before shaking his head.
"I really thought she hated me, though." His smile faded into something more thoughtful. "I mean... I was the son of the woman my father chose over her. That's not exactly the best position to be in."
Jeanne looked ahead for a moment before answering.
"No." She shook her head gently. "My mother definitely isn't that kind of woman. Believe me."
She paused for a second, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"If anything..." she continued with complete sincerity, "she probably thought you weren't important enough to remember."
Eric stared at her blankly.
"...Wow."
