Page 78 of One of Them Girls

I sit at the counter, watching as she preps for tomorrow’s feast.

At least with Xavier here, there will be four people again.

My chest pangs.

“Yeah. Sorry. I’ve been busy with classes. When I’m not in class, I’m either studying or with friends.”

She throws me a small smile. “Or with that boyfriend of yours?”

I nod my head. “Yes. I spend time with him too.”

She waves a knife in my direction. “You better be being safe. Not that I wouldn’t love to be a grandmother, but it’s still a bit early for that.”

I cover my face. “Oh my god, Mom. Seriously?”

She throws a towel at me. “Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain, young lady. I’d hate to have to whoop you in front of your hottie.”

“Please don’t call anyone a hottie again. That’s disturbing.”

She laughs. “I’m glad you kept that humor of yours. So tell me more about what’s been going on? How’d you meet Xavier?”

I cringe, not wanting to tell her the exact story, but settle for some semblance of the truth. “We met at a party.”

“Yeah? Sounds typical for college kids nowadays. You’re being safe at these parties, right?”

I can see the worry flit across her face. My heart feels sliced open.

I whisper, “I don’t drink anymore.”

Her eyes tear up. “I didn’t mean it like that, honey.”

“I know, but still.” I feel my own eyes prick. “I’m going to go give Xavier a tour of the farm. Call me if you need help?”

She nods silently, now lost in her thoughts.

I know the feeling. It’s been a while, but I used to get lost in my grief often.

I stop in the hallway, out of view, to press a hand to my chest.

You can do this. You’re strong.

I keep saying it until I feel more myself again.

Then I found the man who helped me find my strength.

* * *

Xavier

Yesterday was interesting. Once we got to Cassi’s family home, I was ushered to the living room with her father to do ‘men things.’ Or at least that’s what he told me it was when we got there.

What he really meant was sitting there watching some old western on TV while the ladies were in the kitchen.

It felt a bit archaic to me. I would have preferred been in the kitchen with Cassi. Then again, I would have preferred been anywhere with Cassi.

Then she came in and I wanted to pull her into my arms.

She forced a smile while she joked with her father, but she couldn’t fool me.

---