She clicked her tongue and Reno imagined her shaking her head at him like she used to whenever he was being irresponsible. “You be careful. You haven’t known him long. He is all the way in the States.”
“He’s here, actually.”
“What!?” she yelled and Reno had to quickly move his phone away from his ear. “What do you mean!?”
Reno cautiously put the phone back to his ear. “Please don’t yell at me! I need my hearing for my career.”
“Son.”
“I know, I know. I’m avoiding answering.” Reno shuffled his feet a little, eyeing the other two people waiting at the bus stop. Thankfully, they were busy talking to each other and not paying attention to Reno. “He flew here for me. He wanted to see me. I wanted to see him. I don’t start recording for another week, so I have some extra time to spend.”
His mom was quiet for a moment before she said, “Where is this man staying?”
“He has his own temporary place; he isn’t staying with me. Promise.”
“You’re an adult, you can have whoever you want over.”
Reno felt his eyes narrow. “So why ask?”
“Just seeing how smart you’re being,” she replied.
“I’m not being very smart,” Reno had to admit. “I’m being rash. Stupid. Crazy. I really like him.”
“I can tell.” His mother sounded warm with her response. “I hope he is gentle to you.”
“Mom, I don't need someone to be gentle with me.”
“No," she agreed, “you don’t. But, I wish it for you.”
“You’ll be happy then.”
“Okay. You let me know how it goes, will you? How long is he there?”
Reno sighed, “Just two weeks. I might be able to convince him to stay, though.”
“So determined!” she laughed, “You say you don’t feel usual but you are acting just like yourself.”
“Ah, what does that mean?”
“Stubborn, foolish, romantic.”
“Aw, you think I’m being romantic?” Reno teased and his mother scoffed. “Were you like this with dad?”
“Yes. You know you get everything from me.”
“I’m grateful.” He meant it. “My bus is here. I will call you soon.”
“Be good," she said.
“I will, goodnight.”
She hung up right as the bus heading towards Reno’s home pulled up. He settled into a seat, shot off a text to Sebastian to send him the song progress, then another to Jaewon asking how things were with Maxine. Reno hoped he’d finally been able to convince Jaewon to tell Maxine who he really was, but the last time Reno got on his case about it, Jaewon blocked him for a whole day.
Kandi
Pap spotted on your block, Cane is dealing with them now.
I'm almost home, should I get off on the next stop and try to sneak around back?
