I snicker in confirmation and grab two more slices.
“Do I finally get the tale of what you did that night?”
Sighing, I toss the pizza back on the tray and sink into couch. “I don’t know, Mom. It was all so…” I shake my head, eyes glued to the ceiling while I search for words.
Mom nudges my foot. “So what?”
My head falls to the side and I meet her gaze. “How do you explain something that by any measure was entirely insignificant but wholly unforgettable all at once?” A soft smile pulls up one side of her mouth. “It felt easier to not talk about it at all because I could never make sense of it.” I shrug. “And Norm averaged about fifteen words a month so I knew he’d never say anything.”
She laughs. Together, we stare at the television frozen on the opening credits of the movie. Neither of us move for the remote.
“And now?” Mom asks.
I pop a weary shoulder. “Now he’s leaving in two weeks.”
“To go where?”
“Back to his post, I assume. I’m not sure, though. I didn’t get a chance to ask him.”
“And you’re here because…”
I give her my best Timberlake stare.
She arches a brow. “You gonna cancel our brunch tomorrow?”
“Of course not,” I scoff. “What kind of monster do you think I am?”
“Then get outta here,” she says, kicking my foot off the couch. My mouth gapes. “I mean it. Go.” She flicks her hands toward the door. “Shoo, be gone. You can catchme up at J&J’s.”
I climb to my feet but make no real effort to stay. “Wow. From my own blood. This hurts, Mom. Hurts.” I’m already putting on my shoes and peeling off my sweatshirt.
“Yeah, you look real broken up about it.”
Using the mirror over in the entryway, I remove the hair clip and run my fingers through my loose waves. “You still gonna watch the movie?”
Mom guffaws, reaching for the remote. “Am I gonna watch the—what kind of monster doyouthinkIam?”
She presses play and I blow her a kiss on my way out.
I open my texts once I’m inside my car.
Me
Where are you?
Three dots pop up right away. My foot taps rapidly on the floorboard.
Rowan
At my grandparents’ Boulder house. Where are you?
Me
Leaving Mom’s.
Rowan
Are you inviting yourself over?