My face must reveal it all.
“What is it, Simon? What’s wrong?” His questions are heavy with worry.
“I haven’t told my moms I’m gay yet,” I blurt out. “They think I’m on a date with a girl right now.”
PJ gasps. “Wow, sorry, didn’t see that one coming. I just assumed you told them. I mean, your moms are lesbians. Why wouldn’t you tell them about yourself?”
I look away, embarrassed and ashamed, but when I turn back, PJ’s eyes are kind. He takes my hands in his.
“It’s going to be okay. Listen, Simon, I can’t say I’m not disappointed by this unexpected news, but I’ve enjoyed myself tonight. More than you know. I don’t want to push you into something you are not ready for. Let’s call it a night and end the evening on a positive note. Maybe we can do movie night with your moms next time when you’re more comfortable?”
“No!” I say adamantly. “Our second date will not end on a sour note like our first one did. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
I get out of the car—alien be damned—and walk around to the driver’s side door and open it. I offer PJ my hand.
“Come meet my parents.”
23
Try to Tear Me Down
The muffled sounds of the TV, along with Mom and Carole talking, can be heard coming from behind my apartment door. My heart rate quickens, and the alien teeters on the edge of something. Maybe ripping me in two? I take a deep breath and ask PJ to take a step back. I take out my keys, open the door, and peek my head inside. Mom and Carole sit on the couch with wineglasses in hand.
“Hi,” I say with an awkward salute.
“Well, hello, Little—Simon,” Mom catches herself. “Why are you standing in the hall? Is your date here?”
I nod shyly.
“Well, don’t keep us in suspense and don’t make her stand in the hallway. Bring her in. We won’t bite. I promise. We’re just excited to meet her. We have peanut chews!”
She shakes the bag of brown-and-red wrapped candies at me. I take another deep breath and step back to let PJ come forward. I am doing my best to ignore the alien who is turning around and kicking in my stomach. I’m grateful it is not clawing to get out right now.
“Mom, Carole, this is PJ.”
PJ steps into the apartment, flashing a dazzling smile full of white teeth paired with his sparkling blue eyes.
“Hello, Simon’s parents. It’s nice to meet you. I’m PJ, but Simon calls me Pajamas.”
Mom and Carole are like deer in headlights. They look from PJ to each other and finally to me. Carole’s gaze softens to a twinkle, but a dark cloud crosses Mom’s face. She is processing something. Good thoughts? Bad thoughts? It’s impossible to tell.
Carole jumps up and holds out her arms to give PJ a hug.
“Well, if this isn’t the cutest thing I have ever seen in my entire life. Pajamas…adorable!”
PJ hugs her and Carole leads him over to Mom who has not gotten off the couch.
“I’m Carole and this is Simon’s mom, Lindsey.”
Mom weakly holds out her arm to PJ and shakes his hand.
“Hi, PJ, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ll call you PJ if that’s okay. I’ll leave the pajamas business to Simon. Please call me Lindsey and have a seat. Make yourself at home. We’re glad to have you join us.”
Carole goes into the kitchen and calls out, “PJ, what can I get you to drink? Simon likes Sprite for movie night, but we have lots of options.”
PJ asks for a Sprite too, and Mom begins to pepper him with a barrage of questions. I escape to the kitchen to help Carole with the drinks.
“Simon Bugg! Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing a boy home?” Carole whispers.
