Page 7 of Years in the Making

I’m sliding on socks when there’s a knock on my door. “Yeah?”

“Just me.” My dad opens the door and sticks his head into the room. “Making sure you’re up and ready.”

“Thanks to Zoe.” I stifle a yawn. “How’s Mom?”

“Better. The inhaler seems to have done its job. But still, just be extra aware of that today when you’re out.”

I know better than to tell my dad to chill, so I assure him that he has nothing to worry about. “I’ll let the hygienist know too, just in case there are any issues.”

He nods and follows me as I head to the bathroom. “I’m on shift tonight. Your brother said he’ll handle dinner, but I’ve left some meatballs in the fridge to defrost in case he forgets.”

“Is he still seeing that woman…” I stop to think as I squeeze toothpaste onto my brush. “Cat…s…t…”

“Patricia?”

“Oh wow, so not even in the same realm.”

“I’m pretty sure Cat…s…t was two women ago.”

“He’s had more girlfriends in the last month than I have in my entire life.” I shake my head and shove my toothbrush in my mouth.

Dad pats me on the back. “You’re just more selective.” I meet his eyes in the mirror and roll mine. Sure, that’s it, I’m selective. “You don’t need five a month, kid. You just need the right one, and you can’t rush that.” Then he turns and leaves me to aggressively brush my teeth in private.

It’s not like I’ve never been in a relationship. It’s just been hard with Mom. I apparently attract women who get freaked out that I have a parent who depends on me, a parent they can’tcommunicate “normally” with if they come for dinner. I get it, it’s not what everyone wants to sign up for—hell, if I had it my way I’m not sure I would either—but this is my reality, so if someone wants to be in my life, they need to get on board with that. Gaby had fit in immediately, and I’d be lying if I wasn’t slightly envious of my sister. I mean, we’re twins. Couldn’t some of that luck rub off on my love life? Still, I’d rather have Mom here in this state than not here at all, and if that means me being single, so be it.

While Mom is in with the dentist, I sit in the waiting room reading. I’d fallen asleep with the book last night, too engrossed in it to recognize how tired I was. LG was right, though; the author’s writing is fantastic, and I’m very much sold. I take my phone out and send a picture of the book to her.

Turns out my sister is a fan. So far, I get why.

Her reply comes a minute later.

Library Girl

Stick with me, Enviro Guy. I’ll keep you up to your neck in good books.

I tell myself that I should leave it there, but my fingers don’t get the message and reply.

How’s day one of summer vacation?

Quiet.

Is that a good thing?

My roommates are party animals, so I am not mad about silence. At least for a few days. Ask me in a couple of months.

I know this is a joke, but I wouldn’t hate another train trip with her. Even if it is platonic, I can’t remember the last time I wanted to hang out with someone the way I’d like to hang out with her. My fingers are off and typing again before I can think about what I’m texting.

Actually, would you like to go book shopping with me?

What the fuck am I doing?

As friends, book shopping as friends.

I quickly add before she can respond. Although maybe she won’t; maybe she’s already deleted my number. When her reply comes, my entire body lights up.

That’s my favorite kind of shopping. When?

I have no idea. I still can’t believe she said yes. She must be really secure in her relationship, I hope I’m not setting myself up to follow in Will’s idiotic footsteps and get punched. I rack my brain trying to remember Mom’s appointments and dinner plans. I should be starting work next week so that shouldn’t factor into it.

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