Page 97 of Three Not-So-Little Words
“First, I want to say I’m proud of you for stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something different.”
“Mom, I didn’t cherry pick someone with a kid totry something different.”
“I wasn’t referring to someone who has a kid. I was referring to you dating someone in general.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah. What’s the point?”
“The point is while I am proud of you for starting a relationship, I think you’re in for a wake-up call when it comes to being with someone who has a kid.”
“I’m already figuring that out.”
She pauses for a moment as if meticulously choosing her words. “Veronica, when you have a child, that child becomes your whole world—at least, they should. I can tell that is the case with Drew and his son.”
“Agreed. Get to the point, Mom. You’re running out of time.”
She clears her throat. “To put it bluntly, I know how much you like to be the center of attention. When you’re dating a man with a kid, more often than not, that boy will be the center of attention. And if it comes down to a choice, Drew will pick Colton over you.”
I blankly stare at her. “Duh, Mom. I understand that Drew is a father. I got the hint when I heard Colton calling himDad.”
“Will you cut the sarcasm and shut up for a minute?”
I give another sigh but don’t say anything.
“I know how you live your life, flying from one thing to the next. But there is someone else involved now—a kid. A kid who has no idea how you usually are. The main thing kids understand is who is there and who isn’t. If you aren’t serious, please don’t get close to the kid. The longer you stick around, the harder it will be if you leave.”
I hear what she’s saying, and I get it. It’s something that I’ve already thought of.
A lot.
“Mom, I appreciate your concern for Colton. I would expect nothing less from you. And I have considered all of this quite a bit. But I think there’s something you need to consider too.”
“What’s that?”
“How many serious relationships have I been in during my adult life?”
“None,” she replies.
“Before now, would I consider even dating a guy—let alone with a kid?”
“No.”
“Then, I think it’s reasonable to assume that I really like this guy, and it’s not just a fluke. I could have stayed away the second I learned he had a kid, but I didn’t. I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m willing to try.”
She starts to say something, but I stop her.
“And for the record, right now, Colton just thinks he and I are just friends. Nothing more.”
She lets out a small chuckle. “That may be true, but I doubt it will be true for long. Kids are smart and figure things out pretty darn quick.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell her.
“Okay, I just wanted to come give you my two cents. Save it or spend it how you like.”
Oh, my mother and her witty little sayings.
Standing from her chair, she says, “Have fun tonight. Tell Drew I said hi.”
“Will do. Are you headed home for the night?”
