Page 51 of How We Fooled

She purses her lips with a slight nod to her head, like she’s fully understanding why I’m sitting here right now. “I take it, you didn’t know he was still in high school then?”

I shake my head.

“What does he say?”

“He says we’ll figure it out. We’ll sneak around until he graduates.”

“Well …” she singsongs like she’s weighing her options. “You would be McDreamy and he’d be like Meredith from Grey’s Anatomy. Maybe have some stolen kisses in the classroom …”

I turn my head so fast that she laughs out loud, holding up her hands in surrender.

“Okay, maybe not.” She places her hand on my arm. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

“If anyone finds out, I’ll get fired and never teach again.”

“But the damage is already done. You’re already dating him. Before you were hired.”

I close my eyes and let out a deep breath.

“Come on. I have a really cute little girl who can help lift your spirits—at least for the time being.”

I agree that some little kid therapy could help clear my mind and unbuckle my seat belt to go play at the park with Tucker, Justine, and their daughter, Emily.

Eli

I fought back tears the entire way home. Breaking it off with Liza is definitely not an option. Technically, I’m eighteen. I can drop out of school, and then none of this would matter, but even I know that’s not the right thing to do. I need a high school diploma, especially if I want to play ball.

Since I was basically an only child for most of my life, my mom and I are pretty close, so I do what I always do when I need advice for something. I go to talk to my mom.

When I enter the house, she’s reading a book on the couch. I head straight in her direction and plop down beside her.

She’s quick to put down her book and look my way. “I want to say welcome home, but I feel like you need to talk to me. Did something happen on your trip? How come I get the feeling you’re going to tell me something I’m not going to like?”

I sigh. “Nothing happened on the trip, but I do need to tell you something. I’m not sure how you’ll feel. That’s why I need your advice.”

“Is Liza pregnant?” she asks, her eyes opening wide.

I let out a sharp laugh. “One, no, she’s not pregnant.” I tilt my head to the side. “And two, we’ve barely been together long enough for her to even know if she was yet.”

Mom turns to face me better. “Sorry. Panic reaction to the I need your advice talk.”

“Because I’ve had so many pregnancy scares in my life?” I ask, trying to hold back my laugh.

She shrugs. “You’re eighteen. I need to mentally prepare for your next steps in life, and, yes, pregnancy can derail a lot of those steps, so don’t get her pregnant!” she says, staring at me sternly.

I hold up my palms to her. “Okay, I won’t.”

“Then, what’s going on?” She places her hand on my leg. “Talk to me.”

“What do you think of Liza?”

“We like her. A lot. I think you two are good for each other.”

“Do you know her age?”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Should I?”

“I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

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