r pack your lunch too!”

Liam’s ears burned red as he stood up, practically snatching the shirt from his mom’s hands. “Thanks, Mom,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

But Mrs. Harper wasn’t done.

She reached up and straightened his collar, patting his cheek for good measure. “You’re welcome, honey. Now, remember what I always say: napkins in your lap and be careful with sauces.”

The table erupted in laughter.

Liam tried to laugh along, but it came out weak and forced. His friends were practically in tears, and even a server passing by smiled.

From my spot in the corner, I could barely contain my laughter. Watching Liam squirm under his mom’s fussing was everything I’d hoped for and more.

Then, he spotted me.

Our eyes met across the room, and his jaw dropped.

His mortification turned to realization in a split second. He shook his head slightly, as if to say, You didn’t.

I just raised my glass, smiling sweetly.

Liam stormed over to my table, clutching the shirt like it was a lifeline. His face was a mix of frustration and embarrassment, and he leaned in close, whisper-yelling, “What the hell, Katie?

You got my mom involved?”

I tilted my head, barely hiding my smirk. “You said your mom always did this kind of thing for you. I thought you’d appreciate the nostalgia.”

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

“Okay, I get it. I was being a jerk. I shouldn’t have dumped my mess on you like that, especially while you were at work.

I’m sorry.”

“Good start,” I said, raising an eyebrow.

He sighed. “And I promise I’ll stop relying on you or my mom for stuff I should handle myself.”

I smiled, leaning forward slightly. “That’s all I wanted to hear.

Just don’t ever pull something like this again.”

“Deal,” he muttered, glancing back at his table. His friends were still laughing, one of them miming a kiss on the cheek. Liam groaned again.

“I’m never going to live this down.”

As Liam shuffled back to his seat, I watched, feeling a wave of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about the embarrassment; it was about setting boundaries and teaching him to take responsibility.

Later that week, Liam tried to do laundry on his own for the first time. He called me three times from the laundry room.

By the end of it, he had accidentally shrunk one of his favorite sweaters.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” I teased as he held up the toddler-sized sweater.

Liam grinned sheepishly. “I’m trying.”

I laughed, shaking my head. He had a long way to go, but at least he was learning.

Source: amomama