Page 80 of Tongue-Tied

Wait, maybe this is headed in the good-news direction. Maybe a raise. “Uh-huh.”

“Well, I stayed after work last night to complete an important report for him. He stayed late too. And he?—”

“No!” I blurt out.

“What? I haven’t even told you what happened.”

“Let me guess: he came on to you and promised you things.”

“You make it sound like a bad thing. And it wasn’t like that. We’ve got good chemistry.”

“So something happened between you at work?”

“No, not yet.” She scoffs. “Maybe not ever. Besides, I’d never do anything at work.”

“But you would outside of work?” I retort, unable to hide my sarcasm.

“Why do you sound so disappointed in me?” This is the part of our relationship that always feels like the script has been flipped and I become the parent.

“I just…don’t want you hurt again.” I try to bring it down a notch. “Is he…married?”

“Of course not!” she lobs back like a petulant child. “He’s going through a divorce.”

“Sure he is,” I mutter, my frustration coming through.

“I see it was a mistake to call you.” Her tone is like an open wound, and I immediately feel regret.

“Listen, I’m sorry.” I puff out an exasperated breath. “It’s just hard because you’re a good person and have so much love to give someone. But you want it so badly that you…you ignore stuff that hurts you in the end.”

“That’s not what I’m?—”

“Please let me finish.” Mom goes quiet as I pace the floorboards and gather my thoughts. “As far as your boss is concerned, you should say no to anything other than professional. And then threaten him with a harassment complaint if he comes on to you again. That is a relationship waiting to fail. Plus, you love your job, and this can get you fired. Or make it miserable.”

It’s not that Mom doesn’t know all that or hasn’t dated one boss or another before. But maybe it’s like what she told me once—how when she saw me when I was born, I was so adorable that she forgot all the pain immediately after delivery.

“I appreciate your advice,” Mom says, but given her tone, she doesn’t appreciate it at all. I suppose it is unsolicited, but at this point, I can’t help myself. “But I’m an adult and can make my own decisions.”

Then act like it!

“Sure, Mom, you’re right,” I reply because I’m tired from making the effort.

After the call ends, I continue pacing, feeling on edge. I slip into my sneakers and head down the steps.

Milo is still playing the game, and Ian has taken over my controller.

“Be right back.” I fly out the door before they can ask, then walk around aimlessly until I find a bench and sit to catch my breath.

I pull out my cell and scroll to Austin’s number.

What are you up to?

Nothing much. Just reading. Kael is at Angelica’s.

Can I come over?

Of course.

As soon as I scale the dorm stairwell to his floor, I’m flustered all over again.

---