“I’m supposing you have news?” Mama had a triumphantI-told-you-sotone in her voice. I hated when she was right— which was all the freaking time. The woman had a sensor for predicting the best outcome, no matter how unbelievable it was.
“Um, maybe,” I giggled, and I twirled the phone line around my finger. “But Ez already told you!”
“Doesn’t matter. I want to hear it from you,” Mama teased.
“I’m seeing somebody,” I said slowly, biting my lip.
“And who might that be?”
I let out another nervous sound, and squeaked, “Charlie.”
Mama squealed. “Oh, that’s so sweet. I thought you two looked cute together during the dance.”
“Yes! I win the bet!” I heard Uncle Jonah’s voice echo from somewhere in the background, and Auntie Imogen’s excited chittering. They must’ve been over for lunch.
Daddy’s voice came over the line as he picked up the phone. “Peanut, is he treating you well?”
“Like a princess!” I gushed. “He’s amazing.”
“He better, because if he isn’t, I’m going to storm into that prison and—”
“Liam,” Mama said, and Daddy let out a grumpy sound.
“He’s the best!” I said. “I’m so happy! When I hug him, he’s so squishy. It’s like cuddling a big teddy bear.”
“Squishy, huh.” Daddy wasnotamused.
“Charlie’s a nice boy. Let it be,” Mama insisted.
“I have a right to be concerned, seeing as how he’s involved with my daughter!” Daddy said.
Mama made atskingnoise, and I knew she was rolling her eyes.
Daddy’s voice became more urgent. “Honey,pleasetell me you’re at least using protection.”
I grinned. “I mean, he pulls out. Sometimes.”
Daddy groaned. “I’m getting too old for this bullshit,” he mumbled.
I gave a laugh. “It’s just a joke. We haven’t even done anything like that.”
Nothing that would get me pregnant, anyway.
“This really isn’t something to joke about,” Daddy said, though he was obviously relieved.
“Relax! Charlie isveryadamant about safe sex. I’m sure the man won’t get within six feet of me without a condom.”
I spun in place. “Not that it’s a thing, anyway, because it isn’t. We’re taking things slow. He’s very polite. A true gentleman.”
Daddy muttered something very quietly to Mama, but I was sure I heard, “I might like him a little more now.”
I bounced up and down. “Daddy, guess what?!”
“What?”
I giggled and whispered, “I love him.”
Daddy hitched a breath. He took his time responding before he said, “That’s wonderful, peanut. You always had such a big heart—”
