“Mom, you asked him if he was gay.”
“Well, wasn’t he?”
“That’s not the point. It was embarrassing,” Abby said.
“You were embarrassed because you didn’t know and thought he was there as a love interest.”
It was a moment she relived occasionally, like the ghost of mortifications past snuck into her room late at night to laugh at her.
“Again, not the point. Just please promise you won’t do anything embarrassing.”
“I’m sorry, dear. I love you, but it’s my job as your mother to embarrass you as often as possible.”
“Ugh.” Abby dropped her head back and stared up at the lifesize blue whale model hanging from the ceiling. “I’m putting you in a home the first chance I get.”
“Just make sure it’s a nice one.” Her mom patted her shoulder and caught up with the kids.
Good night
How was your day?
Abby smiled. She’d been waiting for his nightly text. He’d messaged her every night since he’d brought them dinner.
Pretty good. Lindsey came over for dinner and we were able to catch up.
Did she go somewhere during your break?
Vegas for a cousin’s wedding.
Sounds fun.
It’s not really my scene.
What have you got going on next week?
I have to call around for a handyman and electrician and hope someone has availability in the next two weeks.
Why?
For the school showcase.
You don’t have people at the school to do that?
Not really. Our design teacher usually directs them, but she had to take emergency medical leave and we’re kind of in a lurch.
The students came up with some complicated sets and exhibits this year and it’s outside the scope of anyone else’s expertise.
So I’m calling around at the last minute.
Can you talk?
Uh…sure.
Her phone rang immediately. “Hey.”
“Hey. Why kind of stuff do you need done?” he asked, by way of greeting.
“Help building the sets and running the electric for the displays.”
