Page 65 of Hate to Love You

I’m tempted to roll my eyes but don’t. Mom has no idea what’s going on between us. Well, she’s not alone. I haven’t a clue either. “Yes, it was very considerate.” Changing my tone, I say in an overly sweet voice, “Thank you so much for showing up on my doorstep for the second time without any warning. You’re like a bad penny that keeps turning up at the most inopportune times.”

He grins around a forkful of pancake. “Anything for you.”

Mom shakes her head. “You two have a very odd relationship.”

Brody’s shoulders tremble with silent laughter. I can’t help it, the corners of my lips twitch.

Mom’s right. We have an odd relationship. He loves to give me shit, and I enjoy slinging it right back at him. Tenfold.

“That’s one of the things I like about your daughter, Mrs. D. Her sharp tongue keeps me on my toes.”

Mom’s expression turns from confused to thoughtful before she carefully asks, “Do you come from an abusive home, Brody?”

He nearly spits out the mouthful of orange juice he’s in the process of swallowing. He coughs and thumps his chest with his fist as it goes down the wrong hatch. Being the loving girlfriend that I am, I pound on his back extra hard until his eyes grow glassy with tears.

He chokes out the words, “No, ma’am. Why?”

Mom shrugs. “Just a theory.”

I say with a straight face, “Brody knows I subscribe to the philosophy of treat ’em mean, keep ’em keen.” I flutter my lashes at him. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

Too busy trying not to cough, Brody nods his head emphatically. “Can’t argue with that,” he croaks.

Mom purses her lips and sighs. “I think the divorce has hit you hard, Natalie. Maybe you should see if they have yoga classes on campus. I think a little self-reflection would be good for you.”

Before I can reply, Brody catches his breath and changes the subject. “How’d your date go last night, Mrs. D?”

The question seems to throw Mom off guard. I’d asked her the same thing this morning, and she’d brushed the query aside, saying nothing more than “it was good.” And because it’s weird to discuss dating with my mother, I hadn’t pushed the issue.

But I’m curious as to what she’ll tell Brody.

“We had a nice time, and the band was great.”

Brody shoves another mammoth bite of pancake into his mouth before asking, “Think you’ll get together again?”

I perk up, interested in her response.

She hesitates and glances away. “I think so.”

“So, when do we get to meet the lucky fellow?” Brody gives me a wink. “Maybe we can double date. How fun would that be?”

Mom chuckles but looks uncomfortable by the suggestion. And I’ll admit, it’s not something I really want to do either.

“Oh, I don’t think we’re quite to that point yet. But maybe.” She glances longingly at the door leading to the hallway as if plotting an escape. “I’m, ah, going to the study to finish up some work. Let me know before you leave, okay sweetie?”

Before I can open my mouth, Brody cuts in. “I’ll be sure to do that, Mrs. D.”

Mom purses her lips in an attempt not to smile. I think she’s already figured out that it’s a mistake to encourage him. “I meant my daughter. But it was lovely to see you as well, Brody.”

He gives her a little wink.

Once she’s gone, I wad up my napkin and throw it at him. “A double date, huh?”

He chuckles. “Did I go too far?”

“By like a mile.”

He shrugs. “Seemed like a good idea at the time. Figured you’d want some backup while meeting the new guy your mom is getting serious with.”

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