Page 66 of Summer, in Between
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‘DAD says he caughtyou and Paul canoodling on the sofa,’ Mum whispers as we put away the groceries.
Nonna’s at the table, nursing a coffee and talking to Tommy.
‘We were kissing, if that’s what you mean by canoodling,’ I say.‘I don’t know why Dad had to make such a big deal out of it.’
‘From what he said, I think he handled it perfectly.His first instinct was to throw Paul over the balcony, so I think he did well.That said, I don’t know how comfortable I am about them being alone together downstairs where Dad has access to potential weapons.’
‘Good point.’I stack the apples in the fruit basket.
‘You’re spending a lot of time together.’
‘And...’
‘And nothing!Just an observation, Cat.’She turns to the fridge, a portrait of innocence.
‘Anything else you’ve observed that you’d like to get off your chest, Mother?’
‘Well, I haven’t “observed” any condom wrappers, so I hope you’re “observing” being smart with contraceptive choices.’
‘Mum!I’m not talking about this with you.’
‘Cat, if you’re old enough to canoodle in the living room then you’re old enough to have a conversation about contraception.’
‘For the love of God, can you please stop saying “canoodle”?And “contraception”?’
‘Okay, fine, no more canoodling, but even if you don’t want to talk to me about it, you really need to make sure you’re having this conversation with Paul.And believe me, Cat, it’s a conversation you need to have before you’re on the sofa wearing next to nothing.’
‘Seriously?You’re shaming me now for wearing a singlet top and trackies?Who even are you?’
‘I’m not shaming.Why is everything so black and white with you?All I’m saying is you can remember Paul’s not your whole life.When did you last speak to any of your friends?’
‘Yesterday for your information.Anyway, wasn’t it you pushing me out the door to “date” him?Well, now we’re dating and you’re still not happy.I can never do anything freakin’ right around here, can I?’
‘Caterina!The way you speak to your mother is a disgrace.’
Here we go.Nonna can’t help but stick her unwanted opinions into the conversation.Ugh.I know where she can stick them...
‘Thanks, Mama, but I’ve got it,’ Mum says.‘Cat, if you’re going to throw a tantrum like a toddler go do it without an audience.Go to your room; I’m sick of arguing with you about nothing.’
‘It’s mutual, Mother.’I grab my puffer from my bedroom and go downstairs.
Paul and Dad are huddled over a pile of timber.
‘Can we go do something?’I say to Paul.‘Go into town or whatever?’
