Page 153 of Love in Riverbend
“Is Justin worth it?”
Without speaking, I nod.
“Does Justin think you’re worth the risk?”
“I think he does. He’s a little worried Ricky may take him out, right here in the kitchen.”
Mom grins. “It’s why I decided on chicken. I didn’t want any steak knives at the ready.”
“Do you think?—?”
“No. I’m teasing you.”
I let out a long breath. “We have your support, Justin and I?”
“You, Devan Marie, have my support. Your father and I are so proud of you, and that includes the decisions you’ve made. Why would I think that your ability to make choices has suddenly taken a turn? I don’t. And the fact you’re worried about Ricky and Justin’s relationship shows what a truly loving woman you are.”
“What about Dad?” I ask.
“He’s coming to dinner prepared.”
“You told him?”
Mom nods. “Your dad was surprised. The age difference caught him off guard, but the fact he knows Justin, and has known him… Well, Dad is willing to support you.”
I didn’t want her to tell Dad, but now that I know she has, I admit I’m relieved. “I guess that just leaves Ricky as the only one who will be blindsided.”
We both look at the clock on the front of the microwave.
“What time is Justin getting here?” Mom asks.
“He said he’d text before he left his house.” I pull my phone from the back pocket of my jean shorts and look at the screen. “No text.”
“It’s your decision.” She pauses. “We can go ahead with the plan, or I can finish up the potatoes and fruit and you can go upstairs and have an adult conversation with your brother.”
I lay my hand over my stomach. “I think I feel sick.”
Mom doesn’t speak.
“Fine,” I say. Looking at the unfinished potatoes, I add, “just be sure to leave lumps.”
Mom leans closer and kisses my forehead. “I love you. Rick does too. Remember that when he reacts. He’s reacting to news about his baby sister.”
“I’m not a baby.”
“Remind him.”
Taking a deep breath, I head toward the back staircase, the direction Ricky disappeared. With each step, I try to categorize the relationship the two of us share. With ten years’ difference in our ages, we weren’t exceptionally close when I was young. As Justin said, I was the tagalong little sister. Over the last few years, Ricky and I have grown closer. We talk more. He told me about Mom and Dad maybe selling the farm. I recall how proud he was at my graduation.
Two adults.
Yeah. We can be two adults.
As I near the bathroom we share, I hear the shower still running.
If I go back downstairs, I know I won’t have the courage to come back up. Instead, I head into my bedroom and take another look at myself in the mirror. It’s a June evening, and I’m dressed for the softball game, wearing jean shorts with a tear in one leg and ragged hems. They’re short, but not too short. The orange tank top says Riverbend on the front. Marilyn and Jill will have on matching tops. They were made as a fundraiser for the team. If Riverbend has anything, it’s pride in our local teams.
My light hair is still in the low ponytail I wore to the school earlier today. As I hear the water stop, I pull the hair tie from my hair, brush the length, and plait one long braid. By the time I’m done, I’ve heard the bathroom door open and Ricky’s door close.
