Page 95 of Tongue-Tied

“You did?”

“Uh-huh. I told him I would have to complain if he continued.”

“That was very brave of you.” My eyes start burning, suddenly emotional.

“Did he continue?” Austin asks.

She nods, and I can see the anger in her eyes. “I met with human resources about it.”

“I’m so proud of you. What happens next?”

“I’m not sure, but my boss caught wind of it and accused me of making it all up. Called me a whore.”

“No fucking way! The creep!”

“Mom, are you worried about?—”

“A coworker overheard the conversation and afterward told me he’d hit on her too. And that she knows others who’ve also been harassed by him. And then they talked to human resources too.”

“Holy crap!” My heart is ramming against my chest. “I’m so glad others came forward.”

“Me too.” Mom looks a bit wary. “Yesterday, he was placed on suspension while the company investigates.”

“God, I’m so relieved. I was afraid you were going to have to continue working with him.”

“I’m honestly not sure if I would’ve. This has really opened my eyes.” She gives a sad smile. “I’ve learned there’s safety in numbers. I met my coworkers for dinner, and we discussed sticking together. I’ve never had that before with other women. Almost like a sisterhood.”

Austin’s eyes meet mine, and I can see how pleased he is that the conversation has taken such an important turn. It’s what I’ve always wanted for Mom.

“I know I just said it, but I’ll say it again. I’m so proud of you!”

“That means everything to me.” Mom swipes at her eyes. “I want my son to look up to me as a good example, not a bad one. I don’t want you to avoid relationships like you’ve been doing. I know that’s because of your father abandoning us and watching me struggle through all my bad choices.”

“All right, who kidnapped my mom and put this person in her place?” I say to lighten the mood, and she laughs.

“I feel better than I have in years. Maybe even the best I have,” she replies, and she even looks the part as she straightens herself in the frame of the screen. “Through these other women’s stories, I’m learning about my boundaries. That I invite people to treat me a certain way because I don’t set any.”

Austin is rubbing my shoulders because I’m getting emotional again.

“We’re so happy for you,” Austin says when I have trouble forming words.

When I finally get myself together, I meet my mom’s eyes. Her cheeks are red and stained with tears. “Thanks for calling and telling me all this.”

“Except I might’ve spoiled your plans again.”

“You didn’t, but even if you had, this would’ve been worth it.”

Austin grips my hand and nods.

“The thing is, you’re right about me avoiding relationships and not putting myself out there. I’ve been ignoring some signs myself.”

Mom’s eyebrows draw together. “What do you mean?”

“Well, for example…I’ve been pretending I’m not madly in love with my best friend.”

“Austin?” Mom squeals.

I nod, feeling choked up as Austin kisses my cheek and says, “And I’ve been in love with Dex. We’re all a hot mess.”

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