Page 45 of Waiting for Acceptance
“No, he doesn’t.”
“Well, what’s his full name? What does he do? How long have you two been together?”
“Um, slow down. Don’t they usually let people answer during interrogations?” She finally lays her handbag on the counter, not before eyeing it for Ginny first, and crosses her arms over her chest.
“This isn’t an interrogation. I’m just curious. Why didn’t you tell me about him when I told you Miles was going to call you?” I cross my arms and begin pinching the inside of my arm, anervous habit I’ve had for as long as I can remember. We didn’t exactly discuss our backstory so I guess I’m winging it and he’s just going to have to go along with whatever I pull out of my ass.
“Because it wasn’t really official yet but we’ve been…hanging out, I guess for a while. He’s also in real estate?—”
“Hanging out, how romantic.” There goes that all-too-familiar attitude again. I don’t say anything else, I can’t. I don’t want to keep lying unnecessarily so we just stare at each other awkwardly. Then she grabs her handbag and turns to leave.
“Are you sure he doesn’t work at a Dairy Queen?”
“I’ve worked with him every day for seven months, Mom. I’m sure.” She gives me a judgemental look but says nothing else until she reaches the door.
“I’ll inform Miles of the misunderstanding. Would hate for you to embarrass yourself with the story about the skateboard shop owner.”
Cue the eye roll.
“And keep that disgusting animal off the countertops, Lauren. You have no idea what kind of diseases it may have.”
“Bye, Mom!” I yell, throwing my head back with my eyes closed, praying she actually leaves. The door latches behind her and I’m at least grateful she isn’t the ‘slamming the door’type of mother, since I’ve only just realized my headache is gone. I take time to fill my favorite Tumblr full of ice water before snuggling onto my couch with my favorite blanket and Ginny takes that as her cue to curl up at my feet. I unlock my phone and chew on my thumbnail as I stare at the group chat. The last thing sent was a video of Hendrix putting on a show, lip-synching to an AC/DC song with one of Tank’s old Guitar Hero guitars, wearing underwear, a pair of sunglasses, and crew socks. I watch it again and giggle then blow out a breath as I begin typing.
Me
Is everyone sitting down?
Ruby
Just plopped down on the couch.
Shane
Teaching an art class but I have a chair nearby.
Tay
On the road, so yes.
Leah
I can beeee.
Me
Fitz and I are…dating.
Shane
The floor is now the canvas.
Tay
Tucker is now lecturing me about gasping while he’s driving.
Ruby
Dayumm. Sneaky little thing.
