Page 152 of Love in Riverbend
Removing the colander from the cupboard, I put it in the sink. Using hot pads, I carry the pan to the sink, and pour the potatoes and water into the strainer.
As I’m working, Mom brings a stick of butter and a carton of heavy cream and places them beside me.
“I see we’re not going for the low-fat version.”
“Honey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years is men like your dad, brother, and Justin Sheers work hard all day. Those calories go to energy, not to fat. Besides, if there are going to be lumps, they might as well be delicious lumps.”
She’s right.
One time, Marilyn and I tried a food delivery service. They sent all the fixings for a meal. All we had to do was cook it. The directions for their mashed potatoes had potatoes, water, and sour cream. In a nutshell, the final product was gross.
The whip of the hand mixer jiggles my hand as the blades scrape against the side of the pan. I’m concentrating on the lumps while adding butter and cream when suddenly, I stop. Swallowing, I turn toward the back door.
“Hey,” Ricky calls. “I’m going to shower. I’ve got a softball game tonight.” He doesn’t stop or turn toward us as his voice fades away on the second floor.
My gaze meets Mom’s.
Without a word, she comes to me and reaches for my arm. “Don’t be worried, Devan. You’re a grown woman. You can make your own choices.”
Setting the hand mixer beside the pan, I cross my arms over my chest as tears threaten to ruin the small amount of makeup I put on for tonight’s dinner-slash-confrontation.
“Are you changing your mind?” Mom asks.
Last night, I told her the whole story. I left out a few details, especially about what happened last night at Empire Quarry; nevertheless, I started with the kiss the night of the hog roast. She was disappointed to learn I’d been in town without telling her. Yet in the grand scheme of our discussion, that topic received minimal attention. Mostly, I told her how I feel being with Justin. I mentioned his immense skill in the kissing department. I also told her about our evening telephone chats, the way he held my hand, and that he asked me to date exclusively.
According to Mom, she knew that there was someone in my life before I told her. She’s noticed my smile and something different about me. She hasn’t wanted to push, but as I confessed most things about Justin, Mom was pleased.
“He’s a good man. I know he’s a great friend to Ricky, and I believe if he makes you smile like you are, you should see where this goes.”
That was last night.
Now, Mom’s soft brown stare is again focused on me. “Have you changed your mind?” she asks again.
I shake my head.
“Devan, talk to me now. Whatever you’re feeling, you need to face it before we’re all seated at that table and Ricky says something to make you emotional.”
“I’m not emotional,” I say, wiping a tear with the back of my hand.
She reaches for my shoulders. “No, dear. You’re not.” Her smile grows. “What is making you not emotional?”
“I’m worried about Justin and Ricky.”
Mom tilts her head.
“Justin said he’s concerned if we don’t work out that he’ll lose both me and Ricky.”
“Do you think you two won’t work out?”
I sigh. “I don’t know. Right now, I don’t even want to think about that. But the friendship they share is important to both of them. I don’t want to be the reason they lose it.”
“I’m going to be blunt, Devan. You will change their friendship. It’s simple. With you and Justin seeing one another, Justin will never again be only Ricky’s friend. He’ll also be yours.”
Looking away from her gaze, I let her words sink in.
“Devan.”
I look back up.
