Page 33 of Summer, in Between
‘That’s his story.He’ll tell you if he wants to.I’m just saying.’
‘And I’m just saying he’s here to work with you, it’s got nothing to do with me.’
‘Come on, Cat,’ says Mum.‘You can’t tell me you didn’t have a good time today?’
‘I’m serious.Do you really think I have the headspace for anything or anyone right now?I have goals, you know.They’re a bit deeper than a cute guy working at my house.’I realise too late that I’ve used a word other than Neanderthal to describe Paul, but my parents don’t seem to notice.
‘Bella, you’re 17.It’s summer.Have some fun for a change.It won’t kill you.’
‘It’s easy for you to say, Mum, you’re not the one stressing about your future.’
‘Jesus, Cat, just relax a bit, will you?’says Dad.‘You’re going to give yourself a stroke before the school year even begins.’
Mum places her hand on his arm.
‘You know we’re proud of you.There are no words to express how proud we are, aren’t we Mick?We know you’re under a lot of pressure from school, from us, from yourself, but that’s why spending time with someone who’s not caught up in all the ra-ra will be good for you.’
In many ways my parents are opposites and have completely different outlooks.My mother is a university-educated architect, and my father is the tradie who barely finished high school.Yet, my mother has a relaxed, optimistic, trust in the universe personality, while Dad is more of an analytical, control-freak workaholic.I wonder who I take after?
‘Yeah, maybe,’ I say.‘If I see him around, maybe we’ll chat, I dunno.’
‘You’re going to see him; he’ll be literally under your feet.Next time he’s here, see if he wants to go for a walk,’ says Mum.
‘A walk?Now who’s Elizabethan?Why would I do that and why would he want to go for a walk?’
‘Or maybe the movies, whatever.’She waves her hand.‘The worst thing that could happen is you’ll have a new friend.’
‘No, the worst thing that could happen is you end up an uneducated, unwed, teenage mother,’ mutters Dad.
‘Jeez, Dad!’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ says Mum.‘He’s just spent the day watching you use a nail gun.Anyway, they won’t do anything on a walk, and even if they do, Cat’s smart enough to use protection, aren’t you, Cat?’Mum winks at me.
Dad puts his face in his hands.‘I don’t think this is a conversation for me.’
‘Mum!’I’m enjoying this even less than he is.My reflection in the window shows my face is as red as the tomatoes I feel like regurgitating.‘Let me get this straight – I’m too young and immature to join you in a casual glass of wine but you’re happy for me to walk on the beach and have sex with any guy who comes to lunch?Surely HR would have something to say about the boss’ daughter sexually harassing the staff?This is so insane and backwards it’s not even funny.’
‘Cat, it’s your existential crisis.We’re just here for the entertainment value.’She gives me a mock cheers with her glass.
‘I’m glad this is all such a joke to you, Mother.I’m going for a walk.Solo.’
‘I don’t think so,’ says Mum.‘Paul’s back.’
