"I'm just saying."
"You're diabolical."
She laughs again, completely unapologetic. "Bye, honey."
"Bye, Ma."
We hang up, and I toss my phone onto the bed before scrubbing a hand down my face, trying to get my shit together and clear my mind.
I think Ma is fucking with my head. More and more lately, I find myself wondering what if. What if I found a woman I wanted to settle down with? What if I fell in love? Would it really be so terrible to have someone to come home to every day?
It's the last thing I need, but…maybe some part of me wants it anyway. Football doesn't keep you warm at night. Neither does a championship ring. And it doesn't matter how many hours I volunteer off the field, I still come home to an empty house when all is said and done.
Truth be told, I want the kind of love my parents have. But finding that in my world is damn near impossible. Everyone has an agenda. They don't actually give a shit about me. They want Austin Hawkes, the star quarterback.
I sigh heavily, preparing to be him again tonight. But not before I grab my phone from the bed and text Sidney and Sophie.
Me: I'm Ma's favorite again.
Sophie responds immediately with a middle finger emoji. I'm halfway through dressing when Sidney finally responds.
Sid: That was five minutes ago. I'm her favorite now.
Me: You agree to give her grandbabies?
Sid: Fuck no. Sophie can do that.
Sophie: You're both delusional. Stop bugging me. I'm busy.
I knot my tie, frowning at the phone.
Me: Busy with what?
Sophie: Weird how you think my business is yours.
Me: Are you fucking someone?
Sidney: You better not be fuckinganyone.
Me: Who is he?
Sophie: OMG. Will you two shut up? I'm trying to teach a class.
Sidney: You could have just said that…
Sophie: I'm mothing you now. Bye, Felicia.
Sophie: Mothing
Sophie: MOTHING
Sophie: JFC. I give up.
Sidney: Oh no. Please don't moth me.
I chuckle when he sends a GIF ofMothman, and she immediately sends another middle finger emoji.
Sidney: I think she's fucking someone.
