Silence fills the kitchen for a long second, and I finally ask, “How long are you staying? Do you have plans?”
Her eyes narrow just the tiniest bit before she sighs. “Just the afternoon. Your father will be home tomorrow. I wanted to see you, and I had Beth make you lasagna.” She gestures to a container I hadn’t noticed on the counter.
Now I feel guilty. “That was really nice, thank you,” I tell her sincerely.
“Have you and your guests eaten?”
“No, we were going to watch a football game and eat in a little while.”
“Football game?” Mom walks over to the sink and washes her hands.
“Oswald plays for the school team. Football is important to him.”
“Oh, he does?” She sounds interested. “And his brother must be very smart to be a TA. You mentioned that, right?” The shock of finding me with three guys must be wearing off. I hope that’s a good thing.
“Yes, he’s even helping me with math.” I slouch onto the stool.
“You hate math.” She turns to look at me.
“I don’t hate it. It’s just not easy.”
“You never answered if Bates is in a band.” She retrieves a dish from the container and spins with it in her hands. “Beth said thirty minutes on three fifty should do.”
I point to the oven. “He plays the cello. It’s quite remarkable. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
“Really? He plays the cello?” she questions after putting the dish in the oven.
I nod. “Beautifully.”
Her eyes roam over me, and I pluck at my shirt. “Why don’t you go get dressed and freshen up? Let your friends know lunch will be ready in a few. Don’t worry.” She holds up her hands. “I’ll wait here for you to get back,” she promises. I take that to mean she won’t try to question them without me.
“All right.” I take her up on the offer just for the chance to talk to the guys alone for a minute.
“Oh, I hate to see you hurt, honey,” she says when I grab the crutches.
“I’m fine,” I assure her.
Memphis, Oswald, and Bates all look up as I enter the room. Memphis’ mouth is drawn into a thin line like he’s expecting bad news. “I’m sorry she just showed up.” I don’t know what else to say.
“You don’t have to apologize,” Oswald answers. “Is she freaked out?”
“A little, I think. I never had many friends, and none I invited over,” I admit.
“That’s because we’re special. You were waiting for us.” Oswald smirks.
I lick my lips and glance over at Memphis. “She assumed I was dating Oswald. I told her yes. I hope that’s okay?”
Nothing in his expression even shifts, but I can feel his disappointment, even when he says, “Yeah, of course.” His acceptance makes me want to walk back into the kitchen right now holding both of their hands, but I’m afraid of what that could mean for me. Would she think I was unstable and not thinking with a clear head?
“I’m sorry, don’t be—”
“I’m not mad,” he finishes for me. “I understand.”
“I don’t want you to have to understand. There are just some things I need to tell you guys.” I trade glances with Oswald and Memphis.
“Don’t worry about it now,” Memphis urges.
After a short silence, I tell them, “She brought lunch. I’m going to freshen up. I’ll be back down to join you in just a few moments. Excuse me.” I don’t wait for anyone to say anything before getting out of the room as fast as I can.
