Erin nodded. “Genevieve told me.”
“She told you? I didn’t think you two were even speaking.”
“She asked to meet me in person to give me the news. I guess she thought it was right somehow.”
Joyce gave Andy a sidelong glance before returning her gaze to Erin. “You’re going, right?”
“Mom, why would I go to their wedding?”
“You should show that you’re over him. Show him you’re moving on. Stick it right in his eye with your handsome new boyfriend.” Joyce nodded toward Andy. “Isn’t that right, Andy?”
Andy realized his mouth was hanging slightly open. He closed it quickly and looked at Erin.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mom,” she said.
“I’m not ridiculous, young lady. I think you should stand tall and hold your head high and show off Mr. GQ over here.”
“I don’t have anything to wear,” muttered Erin.
“We can go shopping,” said Joyce.
“I have to get ready for school.”
“That’s a lie. I know you already moved your classroom with this guy.” She raised her eyebrows and pointed toward Andy.
Andy felt Erin’s gaze even before he turned his own to meet hers.
“Andy?” said Erin. “What do you think?”
“I’ll do whatever you want,” said Andy, and he meant it even more than she knew.
“See? He’s game,” said Joyce. “Here’s what you do: you get yourself a nice dress, pretty shoes, a new hairstyle, maybe a little makeup, and you waltz in with a good-looking young man on your arm.”
“It’s not exactly a vote of confidence if you think I need a complete makeover.”
“Sure it is. Do it for you, not for him. Or her.” Joyce helped herself to another roll.
“I hate to say it, but I’m kind of with your mom on this one,” said Andy.
“Not you too?”
“I think you should do whatever makes you feel best—but you know I’m all for some living-your-best-life revenge.”
Erin looked undecided.
“Come on,” said Joyce. “Live a little. Cause a little ruckus. It’ll be good for you.”
“You’re telling me to cause a ruckus? You, the mother who once told me to stop raising my hand so much in Sunday School because it made me look overeager?”
Andy choked and nearly spat out a mouthful of tea.
“See, look what you’ve done,” said Joyce, whacking Andy firmly on the back.
Erin shook her head. “I’ll never understand you.”
“That’s all right, honey. Children aren’t meant to understand their parents. They should just listen to them and do everything they say,” said Joyce, her delivery perfectly serious.
Andy watched the thoughts play across Erin’s face like a chyron of emotions, passing from consternation to determination.
