Page 35 of Southern Comfort
“I remember. The man has a lot ahead of him. And you had a broken nose and messed up teeth with yours.”
“Ronnie has a sprained ankle, a new hip, and a stent. So there’s that.”
“You’ll do a good job. He is lucky to have you.”
“Thanks. What are you up to tonight?”
“Beth is going to come over. I’m making us dinner.”
I pause for a nanosecond while every thought about what could go wrong passes in front of my eyes. Hunter has retained the friendship with his high school girlfriend. I think it is with benefits. They are so young.
“Just be careful.”
“Of what?”
“You know what. An empty house, a man cooking a romantic dinner. The music and the lighting. I I know what I’m talking about, son.”
“We’ve been together since eleventh grade, Mom. Don’t you think we’re past the temptation of an empty house? Come on.”
“I know. But cut me some slack. To admit it is a kind of blow for a mother. You’re always our babies.”
His tone and face soften. In his blue eyes, I see the child.
“I am nineteen, almost twenty.”
“I know. I was there.”
He chuckles.
“Now I can never again pretend you are still an innocent, and not a man exposed to STDs and unplanned parenthood. Both of which can change your life.”
“You want me to freeze time?” He says it gently and with compassion for me. “Then I won’t make any mistakes. But I think it’s too late. I already grew up, Mom.”
Hope he sees the pride I feel for his maturity and tenderness. I return to my original point.
“Ignorance is bliss, when knowledge is folly. Have you ever heard the whole saying? Applies nicely to me in this case.”
“No. But I understand it.”
“Just tell me you are smart enough to use a condom. That’s all I’m saying. This is important, Hunter.”
“Between your talks and Uncle Colter’s, the message is burned in my brain.”
“Good. That makes me feel better.”
The tinkling of Ronnie’s bell pulls my attention.
“I’m being summoned. Talk tomorrow. Just don’t forget to protect yourself. And Beth. It’s her future too.”
He has reached his mothering limit. “Stop thinking about it, Mom! I got it loud and clear. And let’s not talk about it again. Okay?”
“Okay. No more.”
I use the few second pause to mention another subject.
“Oh. I wanted you to know Landon and I are seeing each other. We’re dating.”
Silence.
