Page 14 of Keeping London (Flawed Heart)

We chat for a couple of hours about everything—my sister’s class load, my dad’s current work projects, Loïc’s military history, upcoming articles I’m going to write, and my mom’s adventures with acroyoga.

“I’m still not getting it, Mom,” Georgia says. “So, it’s like yoga but with somersaults and cartwheels and stuff?”

Mom shakes her head. “No, you’re thinking gymnastics. It’s yoga because it requires a lot of core strength and flexibility, but then little tricks are added in.” She looks to us and obviously registers our blank faces. “Okay, so remember there is a base and a flyer. The base is usually a man but can be a strong woman. It just depends on how big the flyer is. So, I’m a flyer. That means my base—which is usually my instructor, Rob—lies on his back with his feet in the air, and then using his extended arms and legs, he pushes me up into the air. Remember when you were little, I used to hold you up with my legs in the airplane move? Well, that’s one of the moves, except my arms aren’t out like a plane; they’re back against my sides. It’s called the bird. The bird is the first basic move you learn, and I can transition to other more complicated moves from the bird position, like a pop. A pop is where Rob pushes me into the air with his hands and feet from the bird position. I tuck my legs up and land in a seated position on his feet.”

“Mom, you’re going to break a hip,” Georgia jokes.

Mom playfully smacks her on the leg. “You’d better watch it, baby girl.”

I address my dad, “So, Dad, you don’t mind Mom wrestling around with this dude, Rob, every day, having his hands and feet all up in her junk?” I grin.

“It’s not like that, London,” Mom scolds.

Dad chuckles. “No, I don’t. It’s great exercise, and she loves it. Plus, I’m pretty sure Rob’s gay.”

Georgia huffs out a laugh. “Doesn’t matter. Mom’s a knockout. She could turn him straight for a day.”

“Excuse me, girls, it’s irrelevant whether or not Rob is gay. I would never cheat on your father, and you know that.” Mom carries a hint of hurt in her voice.

“I know, Mom. We’re just joking.” I shoot her a grin. “What other amazing stunts do you and Rob do?”

“Uh, Christine,” my dad addresses my mom before she starts to tell us about another acro move, “it’s about one.”

They exchange glances, and I see realization dawn in my mother’s eyes.

“Oh, right!” she exclaims.

“What? Are you hungry? We can order in,” Georgia offers.

“No, it’s not that. There’s this benefit tonight at the Canto Center for Visual Arts on campus. Your father has some colleagues he needs to chat with. You’re all welcome to come. In fact, I would love it if all of you could join us. But I’m assuming you didn’t bring formalwear?” she asks me.

I shake my head. “No, Mom, we didn’t know anything about this benefit.”

“Dad, I thought this was going to be a no-work weekend?” Georgia asks him.

My dad holds up his hands, facing his palms toward us. “It is, it is. This is a social event. I didn’t know about it until yesterday. So, I’m sorry that I didn’t give you more notice.” He seems to notice Georgia’s slight glare. “It’s a good cause, Georgia, for charity.” He asks my mom, “What are the proceeds going toward again, dear? Cancer research, animal shelters, rainforest preservation?”

“Um, I believe it’s for ALS research. You know, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Plus, I’m telling you now so that we have time to go shopping for a dress and go to a salon. It will be fun. Come with us?” she asks hopefully.

Regardless of whether or not my father’s work prompted this outing is immaterial to me. I love getting all fancy for benefits.

“I’m in!” I say cheerfully. “You know I’m not going to turn down a shopping day!”

“Ugh, fine. I suppose it sounds fun,” Georgia says begrudgingly.

“Looking at the shape of your nails, you’re definitely due for a mani.” I open my eyes wide in an exaggerated attempt at looking shocked.

“Whatever.” Georgia chuckles.

“Great. Then, it’s settled. Loïc, I just need your sizes, and I’ll have my tux guy bring over a few options for you when he drops off my tux this afternoon.”

“Um, okay,” Loïc answers my dad, appearing to be slightly out of his comfort zone.

“While you ladies go dress shopping, I have some work to attend to. Is that okay with you, Georgia, love?” Dad asks with a grin.

“I suppose,” Georgia huffs for effect.

“Will you be okay with fending for yourself this afternoon?” I ask Loïc. “You could hang by the pool?”

---