Johnny has mentioned before that he and the guys love Westborough, because despite the city knowing that Sleeping Dogs originated here, they all get left alone more often than not. He said that Westborough fans are the most respectful they’ve met anywhere.
The stalker who tried to sexually assault Connor and Milo excluded, of course.
“Oh? Why would you anyone recognize you?”
“Really, mother?” I say. “Didn’t I tell you that Johnny is in a band?” I think I did, anyway. I usually try to block out our conversations after they happen, though, so I could be wrong.
“Oh, is that right?” She gives me a look that tells me she’s even more convinced now that Johnny needs someone better. “And you’re famous enough to be recognized?”
“Some would say so,” Johnny says, humble as ever. “But the citizens of Westborough have an unspoken agreement with the band. They maintain a polite distance and we put on lots of events here and volunteer our time for many good causes.”
“Interesting.” Mom takes a sip of wine. “And do you do televised awards shows and make lots of public appearances?”
Johnny tastes his wine and I can tell by the way he squints ever so slightly that he won’t be having a second glass. It’s not very tasty, but my mother likes to show off and thinks that drinking wine makes her look cultured.
“Yes, unfortunately, that is part of the job. It was fun when we first started out, but I know I’m not the only one in the band who is getting a little tired of the whole thing. We owe the label one more album and then we’re hoping to take a small break.”
“Hmmm,” mom sets her wine down and stands. “Excuse us for a moment, would you, Johnny? Rebecca, can you help me in the kitchen?”
She turns and leaves the room without waiting for me. I can already tell what she’s going to say to me. She already believed Johnny deserved better than me. Now that she knows he’s a famous musician, she’s going to insist that he deserves someone much more attractive.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper to Johnny. “I’ll be right back.”
He nods and leans back against the couch, already lost in thought. I wonder what he thinks the evening is going like so far? Does he see the looks my mother gives me when he talks about what he does for a living. Did he notice when she asked about award shows and public appearances that she widened her eyes at me?
I take a breath and brace myself before walking into the kitchen. This is going to be bad. Worse than the things she normally says to me, I can feel it.
“What can I help with?”
“I’ve already done it. I wanted to speak to you privately for a moment.” She leans against the counter and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m disappointed in you, Rebecca. For several reasons, not the least of which is letting yourself take up that poor man’s time. What could ever make you think that you are up to being the significant other of a celebrity. Can you imagine what a scandal it would be if he were to be seen withyouin public?”
Ouch. Thanks, Mom. Love you too.
“I appreciate your concern, but that is between me and Johnny. I know where you stand on the matter.”
“You’ll regret not listening to me when the tabloids rip you apart. How could you do that to him? A man like that deserves to be proud of the woman on his arm, not ashamed of the way she looks.”
I snort a laugh. And then another. Before long, I’m laughing hysterically, bent over and holding my stomach.
“Rebecca, you’re being ridiculous. It’s quite selfish of you to think that his feelings for you are anything more than pity.”
“Everything alight in here?” Johnny asks, coming into the kitchen. “You okay, babe?” He asks me.
The look of concern on his face sets me off into another furious fit of giggles, and the only response I can muster is to shake my head no. Tears are streaming down my face, and the giggles are morphing into choking sobs. I need to get out of here. I need to get away from my mother.
“Thank you for the invitation, Rebecca, but I think I need to get Becca home. She didn’t eat very much today, and it seems that glass of wine has gone to her head.” Johnny takes my arm and turns me away from my mother. “Becca will call you to reschedule. We’ll have you over at our place next time. I would hate for you to have to go to this trouble all over again.”
He doesn’t wait for my mother’s reply, but I can hear her huff a breath, the sound she makes when she’s offended. She honestly expected me to listen to her talk about me like that and just take it. Of course, I have been doing that my whole life, so she had good reason to believe I would just go on and keep doing it. She didn’t count on Johnny stepping in, though. Once again, I find myself thankful for his presence in my life.
We’re out the door and down the steps and before I know it, Johnny is opening the car door and helping me inside. He gets into the driver’s side, starts the car, and drives us to a local green space. A garden with a small walking path is visible from our parking space.
“Let’s walk,” Johnny says.
He comes around and opens my door, taking my hand to help me out. He laces our fingers together and brings the back of my hand to his lips, kissing me gently.
We start out on the walking path, meandering slowly, just breathing in the crisp air. I’m sure I’ll be too cold soon, with only sheer tights and the skirt covering my bottom half, but right now, this is exactly what I need. Fresh air, a little movement, and Johnny beside me.
“So… your mother is interesting.”
