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“I was trying to do something nice for him,” I continue. “Aren’t you always telling me to be nice to people? In fact, you werejustmaking a case for it.”
“And you were just making a case for that’s how people get you.”
“I —”
“But fine,” my mother sighs. “You’re being a good human being by creating exotic dishes that you can’t even pronounce the names of. But what about the fact that you’re over there right now? When not only is this your day off and we have a weather advisory, but also the job you’re hired to do has already been covered.”
I clench my eyes shut again.
Why, why did I drink again?
Whydid I open my big freaking mouth and spill everything to Jupiter?
Including the fact that Sophie’s not here tonight. She’s at his sister’s. His sister has been insisting on a play date with Sophie and her own kid. So he agreed and told me to take the day off.
Because apparently I don’t take enough days off.
BecauseapparentlyI’m always here.
“And by the way, honey,” my mom chimes in. “I don’t think it was very nice of you to snoop through his phone.”
My eyes pop open.
Oh my God.
Oh my freaking God.
Did I tell Jupiter that too?
Oh Jesus, is thereanythingI haven’t told her? Anythingat all.
“It was an accident. I saw it byaccident,” I say to the both of them.
Jupiter tsks. “Well… you said that you deliberately looked at his phone when it lit up on the kitchen island where he’d left it after he came back from practice. You said, ‘God, J, I looked at his phone. On purpose. I knew I shouldn’t have but I couldn’t resist and I think he’s going to marry her.’ And then I said, don’t be silly, M, it’s a just a date and you said that, ‘it’s aseconddate. He’s going on a second date. He never goes on a second date. He must love her. This is love. I know what it feels like, J, because I love him.’”
“I donot,” I practically shriek.
You do.
You do.
You so do.
“That was my line. I said, ‘No, you do not, M.’ But you said, ‘No, I do. I’ve been in love with him for the last six months and I don’t think I’m ever getting over him.’” Before I can say anything to that, she adds, “Which is why I told your mother. Because you’re not doing it. I’m not letting you do it.”
“Do what,” I croak.
“Be stupid,” my mom supplies. Then, sighing, “Usually I’m all for love. It doesn’t matter to me who you’re falling in love with. All love is the same and equal. In fact, I’d tell you myself to go for it and stop pining and standing on the sidelines as he goes on date after date. But I’m also a mother. And I know you think I’m irresponsible and maybe I am. But that’s only because you are a little too responsible. Which means that Iknowhow hard you’ve worked for your job. For the kind of life you want to lead. Harder than you probably needed to but still. And you can’t ruin it by falling for your boss. What if it ends badly? You won’t only have heartbreak to contend with, you’ll lose your job too and I won’t let that happen. So for the first time in my life, I’m telling you to ignore everything that I’ve taught you and be smart. Or what youthinkis smart. Be wary. Be cautious. Back away; stop. Danger ahead. Do you understand? This is not the road you want to take. This is not your path.Heis not your path, and that’s why I’m putting you in Evan’s path. Go with him, have fun and start the process of getting over your boss.”
For a few seconds, my mind is blank.
I can’t think anything.
Maybe because there’sso muchto think about.
First, the fact that my mom and I are on the same page. It happens very rarely. Usually we’re on opposite ends of a spectrum, with her being the dreamer and me being a realist.
And second, I don’t know when I became a dreamer.
