“Sounds good to me.”
“See you in a few hours,” I say after kissing Evan on the cheek and placing my empty mug in the sink.
Memories of last night flood my mind on the drive home. The first thought that hits me is his story about the way his ex treated him. Anger immediately courses through me. Howcan anyone treat sweet Evan that way? I wish I could have protected him from experiencing such a bad relationship. I take a calming breath. That man is in Evan’s past and there’s nothing I can do about it except make damn sure I never do those things to him. If I ever meet his ex, I will tell him just what I think of him.
Moving away from thoughts that are pissing me off, I switch to our upcoming date and a smile plays at my lips. Now that I’ve invited Evan out for the afternoon, I need something besides yesterday’s clothes. I always keep extra workout clothes in the car, but I’m down to my last set and they’re going to smell disgusting by the time my workout is over.
Fortunately, my neighborhood is between Evan’s apartment and the gym, so I make a quick stop and rush back out the door. Since I’ll be with Evan later and won’t have time to call my parents, I decide to make the call now. Sunday is always our day to talk no matter how busy the week gets.
“Son, good to hear from you,” Dad answers the landline they insist on keeping. “Putting you on speaker phone,” he tells me as if I don’t know they do this for every call.
“Hi, baby,” Mom adds. “Why are you calling so early?”
“I’m on my way to the gym and have plans this afternoon, so I thought I’d call now.”
“What kind of plans?” If I could see her face, I’d likely see a smile and wink.
“Mom,” I reprimand. “It’s just plans. Don’t get too excited.”
“Okay, okay.” Mom chuckles. How does she always know? I said nothing to give her the impression my plans are of any significance. “Does he have a name?” she prods.
“Gloria, leave that boy alone,”Dad scolds.
“It’s okay, Dad. She isn’t going to let it go until I give up the information.”
“See, Jose, I know my boys. Now, let’s have it, mijo.”
“His name is Evan and we met yesterday. He works at the stadium. Last night, we had dinner and after my workout I’m showing him around Miami. That’s it. He’s a friend.” I say pointedly, but it doesn’t matter. Mom jumps on the little info I provide.
“Is he cute? Is this a date?”
“He’s gorgeous and yes, today is a date. I don’t know where this is going, but I like him,” I admit.
Mom is the one person I can talk to about anything. She and Dad are both good listeners and give great advice. I don’t have a problem talking to my dad about dating, but I’m more comfortable with Mom when the subject comes up.
“Oh, mijo, I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to hear all about your date.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We just met.”
“Too late,” Dad says with a laugh. “She’ll be planning your wedding by tonight.”
“That’s not true!” Mom responds. “I’ll wait until after the second date.”
“How’s New Jersey? What game are you coming to this season?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.
“Things are great here. We got Aiden moved back to school. Katie started kindergarten and loves it,” Mom gushes.
There’s a quick pause and I hear some papers shuffling in the background. “Here it is,” Dad mumbles. “Okay, we’re coming to the Dolphins/Jets game the last week in October. We fly in on Thursday afternoon and fly home Tuesday morning. The extra days will give us some time to spend with you. Aiden doesn’t have any classes on Friday this semester, so hewill be with us from Friday to Monday. Owen and the girls are coming, too,” Dad explains.
“Oh, wow! It will be like a mini family reunion! I wasn’t sure Owen and Aiden would make it down this year.”
“They aren’t going to miss a chance to see you,” Mom says.
“I’m at the gym. I need to go. Send me your arrival times and I’ll either pick you up or send a car, depending on practice.”
“I’ll send it this afternoon,” Dad agrees. “Bye, mijo. I love you.”
“Love you, Dad. Bye, Mom. I love you.”