A flicker of amusement runs through me. I wonder, do I really look different since I've fallen in love? "Actually, there is a bit of news," I say slowly. "I've met an incredible girl."
Mom waves her free hand at the screen, laughing lightly. "Oh, honey. Always you and the girls."
"I haven't been like that in ages, Mom. This girl is different. I already consider her my girlfriend."
"Of course she is. Just like Katie, whom you were going to marry."
"Geez, mom, I was six."
She laughs, stretching out in her antique wingback chair. "And who was the girl when you were eighteen? Maya? Myrna?"
"Marlena. I was with her for six months, and yes, it was a big deal at the time." I try speaking slowly, so she'll understand this is important. "Mom, Bridget is the one."
Her lips press together, head shaking slightly. "Sure, honey. We'll see." She stares into space for a moment. "You know, that nice Miller girl is moving back to Oakton in a few months. She's a dentist now."
"I'll keep that in mind when I'm due for a cleaning. Perhaps my girlfriend Bridget needs a new dentist as well."
Mom finally looks me straight in the eye. "Are you actually serious?"
"Yes."
"Well." The camera shakes slightly as she shifts in her chair. "To be honest, I was not expecting that."
"Me neither."
"Well then, tell me everything."
I'm not sure how much to share. I briefly tell Mom that Bridget plays guitar, works at Acorns, and is unbelievably sweet and funny.
Although she nods and smiles politely, I feel like she doesn't believe how serious I am. "Well, if you think this is going to be a long term thing?—"
"It is."
"Then you'll have to bring her by sometime. Maybe for dinner next week."
"Or maybe something more casual like a light lunch, or a coffee? We don't want to overwhelm the poor girl."
She nods. "Whatever you think." She stares off into space again. "Oh! Remember Gretchen's niece Olivia? Gretchen said she always had a crush on you. She's apparently moving back to town next year. A nurse, I think."
Before I can speak, she holds up her hand. "I know, I know. You're taken. But it's always nice to have options, right?"
I know that she means well. I also know that she thinks I'm flighty, irresponsible, and don't know what I want in a woman. Being treated like I'm still "the baby" makes my skin crawl.
"Well, I have to go Mom. Have a great night, and congratulations on being a video call expert."
"Bye, honey."
Staring at the TV without really watching, I wonder if I'm being impetuous. I do know in my heart that Bridget is my girl forever, but everything is happening really fast. It's going to take time for things to settle into place.
Especially for my beautiful girlfriend. It's going to take her some time to trust me completely. Once she does, I'll be able to gradually show her that we are definitely meant for each other.
6
BRIDGET
One great thing about our place is that the bathroom is between my bedroom and Mom's, so she can't hear me when I practice guitar quietly.
There's no way I could go right to sleep after such an intense night. My mind needs some time to settle down. So I do some finger strengthening exercises, then work on my chord changes. Sitting on my bed with my back against the wall, I try to strum precisely but quietly.
