Page 70 of Hot Four Teacher
“When is your next game?” I ask.
“Thursday. Then, we have a tournament on Saturday. Next week is Fall Break, so no practice or games.”
You’d think I would know her schedule, and a better, more together mother probably would. But half the time, I can barely keep track of myself. It’s a wonder I’ve kept her alive for so long.
“I did remember Fall Break,” I tell her. “Getting ready for our usual week off together?”
She suddenly gets quiet and puts the knife and peanut butter down.
And I brace for impact.
“Uh, I actually thought about going and staying with Dad for a few days.”
Didn’t see that one coming.
“Oh?”
“I know you normally take the whole week off so that we can hang out, but Dad’s been blowing up my phone. I finally called him back, and he asked me if I wanted to come over. I guess he had a pool put in, and he thought it would be nice for us to hang out a little.”
While I’m not keen on the idea of sharing our Fall Break, I’m glad she’s at least talking to her dad. I hate it when they fight. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t called me in an attempt to clean up his mess and stick me right in the middle of their squabble.
As much as I think Danny can be a piece of shit, he’s still Eve’s dad. And I think a part of me will always feel responsible for making Danny her father. Because of that, I also feel responsible for doing my best to keep the peace. That means supporting my daughter in the decisions she makes regarding her dad.
Pushing down all my feelings about Danny, I say, “I think that’s a good idea. It’ll be good for you to spend some quality time together.”
“Are you sure?” It's cute how worried she looks.
“I’m positive. And quit with the face. You’re much too young to have frown lines.”
“I just worry about you. What are you going to do when I move out and go to college?”
“Uh, throw a party?” I joke.
“Mom.”
“Celebrate how much money I will have?”
She rolls her eyes. “Are you done?”
“For now.”
“I just don’t want you to be lonely…even though you’re being mean to me. I’d feel better if you had a boyfriend or something to keep you occupied.”
I could use this moment to tell her about Dane, but I’m nowhere near ready to do that. I won’t have her getting excited over something that may later disappoint her.
“I’ll be fine, kid. Don’t you worry about me.”
She eats one final peanut butter cracker before taking everything back to the kitchen.
“I’m going to go call Kayla before it gets too late. Love you,” she tells me before heading into her bedroom.
“Love you too, kid.”
I’m happy she’s not too old to tell me that every once in a while.
When she’s gone, I grab my phone off the end table and see a text from Dane.
Would it be super lame of me to tell you I miss you already?
