“The girl?”
I made the mistake of telling my mother about the girl who finished in her socks and how impressed I was by her determination.
“Yes, the girl. Her name is Laney.”
“That’s a beautiful name.”
“It is.” And she’s a beautiful girl.
“Tell me all about her.”
“Mamá,” I roll my eyes.
“What? You haven’t so much as looked at a girl since you were in high school. Or maybe you’ve looked but you haven’t mentioned any of them to me. And you’re avoiding me, and not talking about her, so I know you’ve got feelings for the girl.”
“You really have your spidey senses on, don’t you?”
“A mother’s gift. We’re awarded them the moment we hold you in our arms.”
Knowing I won’t get out of the conversation without giving her something, and knowing I’m supposed to meet Laney in twenty minutes for a workout, I start talking.
“She’s strong, and focused.”
“Mhmm.”
“And, I dunno, she’s funny.”
“Maravillosa.”
“And, she needs someone to look out for her.”
“How so?”
I take a moment to think about it.
“She just needs guidance.” I shrug to myself. “She’s made it really far on her own but she’s making even bigger strides with my help.”
“And does your help include kissing?”
“Mamá.” I scold.
“What? I need to know.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I deserve to know if you’re kissing the girl or just wishing you were kissing the girl.”
“We’ve kissed.” My mother squeals with delight like a teenager hearing about her friend’s crush. “Mamá, enough.”
“Miguel,” she sighs happily. “I am so happy for you. I love that you’re kissing a girl. But, do you know what you’re doing?”
“I’m good.” The painful reminders of the time in my life when I wasn’t good, when I was in fact spiraling out ofcontrol, cut sharply around my rib cage. Nothing like a mother’s unconditional love to turn you into a guilt ridden mess.
“I know you’regood, that’s not what I meant.”
“Sure.” It’s tough to let go of how she sees me after my history.
“Miguelito, it’s not. Trust me. I am not trying to mother you anymore. You’re well past needing it. But, I am going to take a mother’s interest in how my son courts the girl who could give me grandbabies.”
