Page 151 of Love in Riverbend
“She’s a teacher. The new seventh-grade science teacher.”
Mom tilts her head. “I thought little Devan Dunn was hired for that position—” Her eyes widen to the size of saucers. “Devan Dunn?”
I nod.
“Oh, Justin. What about Ricky?”
“He doesn’t know yet. He will. Devan has a plan to tell her family tonight.”
“I still don’t understand how dating you and Devan’s job are connected.”
For the next few minutes, I recount my earlier conversation with Cory. “Do you think our age difference is too much? Will parents of her students judge her?”
My mom smiles as she leans back against the chair. “The fact that you’re concerned about her and how people will perceive your relationship tells me all I need to know. You care about her.”
“I do.”
“What is your gut telling you?” Mom asks.
“To suck it up, go over to the Dunns’, and take whatever Ricky and Jack want to give me.”
“And at the game tonight?”
“I want to hold her hand and kiss her lips. I want the world to know she’s mine.”
“Because that makes you special?”
I think about her question. “No, because she is special.”
Mom’s grin returns. “Justin, people will judge. It’s wrong and goes against what we’ve been taught, but it’s human nature. I’m sure that despite giving Devan the job, Cory sees her as Ricky’s little sister. You don’t. Your view will either change others’ views or their views won’t matter.”
“What if they matter to Devan?”
“I think that’s a conversation for the two of you to discuss.”
“What about you?” I ask.
“Me. I want nothing more in life than for my children to be happy. If Devan is your person, your one…then I’m thrilled you found one another.”
Sighing, I push the chair back with my feet and stand. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Justin, tell Devan I said I’m happy, and I hope to get to know her.”
“I will.”
Chapter 20
Devan
The aroma of roasted chicken fills the kitchen as I stir the potatoes. Sticking a fork into one, I announce, “I think they’re ready to mash.”
Mom turns from where she’s cutting fruit for a fruit salad. “Do you want to mash them?”
I scrunch my nose. “Ricky will complain about lumps.”
Mom’s smile grows. “If that’s the only thing your brother complains about during the meal, we’ll be getting off easy.”
“You’re right. Maybe lumps will distract him.”
