Page 27 of Road Trip
We sat in our row in this order; me, Abra, Stevie, then McShane. Abra figured they could stay with us until the rightful owners of the seats showed up.Just before the first band started, McShane passed around a box with foam earplugs.
“You might need these,” he offered.
I thanked him and prepared for the onslaught.
The first band was okay. They worked really hard to get the party started. When they finished, the girls went for a bathroom break, again, and to grab more drinks. McShane and I talked easily while they were gone about music, the revival of Downtown Hayward, which wasn’t my beat unfortunately, and siblings.
“Man, I kept thinking I would be so glad when my little brothers were gone, but now I can’t believe they are all grown up. How about you? You got siblings?”
“Be prepared for them to come back,” I answered with a sad shake of my head. “My little sister showed up a couple days ago with her suitcases. It seems the guy she was living with sent her packing when she refused to take care of herself or some bull like that. Guess she’ll be staying at my place for a bit. I felt bad leaving her, but she said she just wanted some alone time anyway. She would come and stay sometimes when I was at work since I worked mids. She promised to go to my parents’ if she—shoot! My parents! Hey, I know this is weird, but can I borrow your phone? Mine was stolen and I didn’t have time to replace it this morning.”
McShane had his out before I could even finish my thoughts. “I got you. Family can be a blessing and a curse depending on the situation.”
“Yeah, well, I need to be the one to tell them what’s happened, otherwise I’m going to hear it.”
“Do what you gotta do. Whatever I can do to help.”
I thanked him and punched in my folks’ number.
“Kelly Joseph Graham! Where on earth are you?”
I exhaled to clear my head and took a cleansing breath before I spoke. “Mother, I’m sorry I worried you.”
“Your partner called here looking for you! You haven’t answered your phone!”
“Mother, I’m fine. I left from work and drove down to San Bernardino with a friend. I was put on admin leave and my lieutenant said to stay gone for a bit, so that’s what I’m doing.”
I could hear her cover the mouthpiece on the phone and repeat to Dad what I was saying. Then I heard them argue and Dad was on the line.
“Son? I heard you had some trouble. Are you okay?”
I sighed. At least one of them was levelheaded.
“Yes, sir. I’m fine. I don’t want to worry Mother, but I had some trouble on the way down here and my car and phone were stolen.”
“Were you hurt, son?”
“Yes, sir. But I’m fine. My friend took care of me after I left the hospital—”
“Hospital? Son, why don’t you tell me where you are…”
I let him go on for a minute with Mother shrieking in the background. It’s like they both forgot I was a grown man. If Mother had had her way, I would’ve never left their home until I was married. She was absolutely what you would call an overprotective parent, and Dad went along with her just to keep the peace.
“Dad, I’m fine. As soon as I get a replacement phone I will call you again. I will be home in a few days.” I listened as he continued on with his offers of money, a plane ticket, anything I might need, and declined them all as politely as I could. Then Mother was back. I braced myself.
“Who is your friend, dear? Is it this McShane person whose phone you’re calling from?”
“Actually, I just met him today. No, my friend’s name is Abra. She really bailed me out of a jam. She’s a school counselor.” Now why did I throw that in? It’s not like I’d be taking Abra home—
Yes, that was exactly why I said it. I was preparing Mother for there to be a woman in my life because I knew in my heart I wanted more than a road trip with this woman. Oh, was I in trouble. And this was assuming she’d even be interested. I hadn’t even known her a day and I was already thinking…
“Mother, I have to go. I will call as soon as I can. You might want to check on Katie.”
“I already have. She doesn’t want to stay here. It’s not right her staying at your home alone.”
I bit back a groan. “She’s a grown woman, Mother. She just wants her space.” This was so not the time for this conversation, and yet she launched into a tirade about how her children should be more respectful and that they should view their home as a safe place and…
“I have to go, Mother. Goodbye.” I hung up with a huge sigh.
