I need to explain to her who I was two years ago.
A total fucking mess.
I saved us some seats, but the auditorium is quickly filling with Harry Potter geeks. Who knew this many people loved those damn books?
My phone vibrates due to an income call. I thought it was Willow, but it turns out to be my mom.
“Hey, honey.”
“Hi, Ma.”
“I just wanted to let you know I made my hotel reservation for the bowl.”
“Oh, Ma, I thought you wanted to host Christmas dinner this year?”
“I rather see my son play in his last bowl as a Copper Grove Panther so Lorraine is going to cook.”
“Her Mac and cheese is kind of suspect, Ma.”
“The family will be fine. Your father, sister and I will be having Christmas dinner in the hotel ballroom. It will be nice to do something different for a change.”
“Can I bring someone?” I ask, not knowing exactly what Willow’s plans are, but I really want her to meet my family. Maybe we can figure out a way to spend the holiday with both of our families.
“You’re bringing a date?” She asks, sounding excited. I never bring girls home to meet my parents.
“If I can.”
“I’d love to meet her. What’s her name?”
“Willow.”
“Pretty name. She must be something to have caught your attention.”
“She’s the smartest person I ever met. She’s going to be a nurse.”
“Wow, okay. I can’t wait. What are you up to right now? I hear people.”
“Believe it or not, I’m about to watch hours of Harry Potter movies. It’s a marathon in the school auditorium.”
“I can’t believe it. I couldn’t get you to read those books to save my life.”
“You should see these weirdos, Ma. They’ve got blankets, pajamas and hats representing whatever house they’re a part of. It’s nerd university.”
My mom laughs. “What house are you?”
“I don’t know, Ma. I don’t think I want to know.”
“You’re a good boyfriend, Jackson. I can’t wait to meet this girl.”
“I didn’t say she made me do this.”
“You didn’t have to. I know my son. I’ll talk to you later. Stay safe.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“Love you more.”
Willow isn’t usually late for things like this, so I shoot her a text to see where she is.
