Water covers every surface in front of me. Glancing down, I notice the wet spot on my shorts. Great. It’s going to look like I peed myself.
I cannot believe she just asked that. There was no anger or resentment, only curiosity. And, she had to wait until I took a drink to ask. It was most likely on purpose. “Who says there’s a guy?”
She sighs, and shakes her head, clearly annoyed with me now. “Mom, my brother may not see the clues, but I have. You’re in a much better mood. And, you’ve been doing your makeup more than you ever used to.”
She’s not wrong. The makeup isn’t to impress Eric, though. It’s because I feel happy and when I’m happy, I wear makeup more often. Especially the brighter eyeshadows.
“Would you be upset if there was?” Everything I do tonight hinges on her answer. The light turns green, and I let off the brake. A silent prayer she won’t ask me to ditch the only other person besides them and Dad who brings me joy.
She sits in silence for a moment, thinking through her answer. Her favorite pop singer plays low on the speakers. Finally, she speaks and places a hand on top of mine. The action is shocking, and my heart melts at the sincerity.
“Not really. At least, not right now. My brother is a different story, but I say follow your happiness. You’re an adult, and you’re allowed to see people.”
This generation of kids is going to change the world. The empathy they have to situations is astounding. Isaac will be a harder sell, but it’s not like I’m itching to introduce Eric to them yet.
“That means a lot, Abby.” I take a deep breath. At least this conversation is over with one kid. “If that changes, promise you’ll tell me. You and your brother come first.”
She nods her agreement. “I’ll let you know when we meet him. If he gives off a bad vibe, you’ll be the first to know. So, where did you meet him?”
Her body shifts until she’s turned slightly toward me. One foot under her leg. Her reaction will tell me exactly how she feels.
“He actually works at the bar with me.” That was vague enough. I leave out the part where he’s younger than me, and technically my boss.
“Oh, that’s cool. So, you get to see him all the time.”
“Well, yeah, when I’m working. He’s taking me on a date tomorrow.”
“Is that why you have a bag? Are you staying the night with him?” That’s a little bold, and that part is none of her business.
“I always have a bag. I don’t want to go to work in sweaty clothes.”
“I know, but your bag seems…fuller.” So much for my hope that she didn’t analyze it too much when she saw it on my bed.
“It is because I’m staying in Asheville tonight.” I turn on the blinker to turn into the sports complex. “I don’t want to mention him too much because who knows if things will work out between us. I don’t want to muddy the waters within our family until it’s a sure thing.”
A quick glance her way and she’s staring out the window, deep in thought. Good, she’s going to let the subject drop.
“That makes sense.” She pauses for one second. Two. “Just give us a heads up if we’re going to meet him.”
“Of course,” I shake my head. “I wouldn’t spring that on you and your brother. What kind of person would that make me? I do respect the both of you.”
“I know. It’s only to ease my mind.”
“Understandable.” A person close to the field Isaac is playing on pulls out of their spot, and I take my opportunity to pull in. “Now, let’s watch your brother kick some butt before I have to go to work and y’all go to your dad’s.”
One day we’ll be slow on a Saturday night, and I won’t be exhausted. Tonight is not that night. With the fair being set up and running, we had all sorts of people come in after being in the sun most of the day. I even had to park at the back area of the lot instead of close to the door like I normally do.
All of us are dragging our feet while going through our cleaning routine. Even Carlos and Angie came in to help out with orders. Patrick stayed way later than he normally does. Definitely an all hands-on deck situation.
“Are we almost done?” Lisa groans as she pushes the broom around the floor. Honestly, I’m not sure how much she’s actually sweeping compared to the time she takes to lean against the closest wall.
“I hope so.” Various coworkers call out at the same time. I swear sometimes it’s like working with a hive mind. Most days I feel like I’ll never fit in because I only work with them two days a week. It feels like a family and I’m on the outside waiting to become part of it.
“Y’all get out of here,” Carlos waves us on from the hallway. “Me and Angie will finish up. No staff meeting in the morning. Enjoy the fair while it’s in town.”
“Yes!” Lisa flings the broom handle to the side and does a dance I’m pretty sure I’ve seen on one of Isaac’s video games. She’s my closest friend here, but there are times the difference of age is apparent.
I grab the dish cloth from my hand and move toward Carlos. “Are you sure you don’t need us to stay longer? I feel bad y’all are doing this just the two of you.”
