Page 32 of Hot Four Teacher
Ronnie and I look at each other, trying to figure out who should field this one.
After my sister’s death glare, I decide to start. “Mom, while yes, youdosometimes meddle, we know that you have the best of intentions. We don’t hold it against you.”
Now, Ronnie decides to chime in. “You’re our mom. That’s what you’re supposed to do. It would be weird if you didn’t.”
When Mom stays silent and gnaws on her nails, I add, “And don’t worry about Jo. She’s going to be fine. She’s young. It’s normal for her to ignore your advice. We all did it and made stupid mistakes.”
Ronnie points at me. “Right. Michelle had a baby when she was a teenager.”
My face falls. “Thank you for that.”
“My point is that you did something dumb, but something great came out of it. And we all turned out just fine. Even Eve is pretty cool–despite the whole soccer thing.”
I roll my eyes.
She goes on, “Now, can we please talk about how Michelle met a guy?”
Mom thinks for a moment before saying, “Okay, tell me everything.”
I begin with, “His name is Dane.”
Ronnie quickly cuts me off. “He’s all dark and broody and muscly. And he seems genuinely nice. Michelle got drunk and took off her clothes, and he didn’t even attempt to take advantage of her.”
Mom’s eyes go wide before she looks over at me. “Michelle Dianne, do I need to have the same talk with you that I just had with Jo?”
“Well, I have no idea what you talked to Jo about, but I’m fairly certain the answer is no,” I tell her.
“I also had to tell her to keep her clothes on.”
Ronnie scoffs, “Terrible advice.”
Mom asks, “So, you really like this guy?”
I reply, “I think so. We don’t know each other all that well yet. But we’ve texted a little–just some small talk. And he wants to take me out on Friday night.”
“Are you going to go?”
“It depends on if Eve is going to be gone or not. I don’t want her knowing about any of this…for now anyway.”
Ronnie excitedly says, “Mom, you have to take Eve for the night!”
I turn to her. “If you are so invested, why don’t you hang out with her?”
“I would. But I have a photo shoot that I’m going to be out of town for. Come on, Mom. Think of something fun that the two of you can do together. I’m sure you could have a good time.”
Mom glares at her. “You know, Eve and I have actually met before. Sheismy granddaughter.”
Ronnie completely ignores the sarcasm and says, “Great. So, you take her, and Michelle is going to get laid…God willing.” She looks back at me. “Now, you have zero reason to back out.”
Just to fuck with her, I say, “I’m sure I could still find another reason to back out.”
“Michelle, I will kick your ass,” she threatens.
In the midst of our talking, we are still keeping an eye on what’s happening on the field. It hasn’t been much more than a constant back and forth with nothing really happening. But all of a sudden, Eve moves around the sweeper and kicks the ball into the goal.
All three of us jump up and start cheering.
“Go Eve!” I shout.
