Page 71 of Bless My Body

“It looks bad if you show up alone. People will think something is wrong with you if you can’t

keep a woman by your side.” I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from arguing with her.

She’s my mom, and I love her, which is the only reason I agree to bring a date.

“Ok, fine.”

“Great.”

“Was there anything else you needed to talk about?” I ask, hoping we can end this conversation

sooner rather than later so I can go through all my contacts and find a date.

“How’s school?” We talk a little about my patients and what I’m doing with Dr. Parker. She tells

me about the gossip of the neighborhood and the country club, which I couldn’t care less about. But I

listen because that’s what a good son does, apparently.

We finally end the conversation when she hears me yawn through the phone.

“You must be tired. I’ll let you go. I’ll send you the details for the party. I can’t wait to see you.

It’s been so long since you’ve been home.” It has been a long time. I went home for Christmas, but that

was months ago, and it was only a short visit. As much as I love my family, I don’t really like to go

home. I know I’ll have to eventually, but right now, I like having my freedom. It feels too stuffy back

in Savannah. I wouldn’t consider it a small town, but it can definitely feel like that sometimes.

“I miss you too. Bye, Mom.”

I hang up and pull up my social media app out of habit. I immediately find Celine’s name and

click on her profile. She hasn’t posted anything all week.

I wonder what’s going on in her head.

Chapter 15

Celine

I ’ve got to get out of this house. I haven’t done anything except go to school, come home, and do

homework all week. We’re getting close to the end of the semester, so the papers and the studying

are ramping up. I should be excited because I’m graduating, but I’m not. The pressure is also

ramping up to figure out what the hell I’m doing next.

But instead of thinking about that, all I want to do is go party.

I find Stella sitting in her room on her laptop when I get home on Friday afternoon.

“Hey. There’s a party tonight on Greek Row. You in?” I ask her, hoping she’ll agree to be my

wingman. Well, her and Ozzy. I know Ozzy won’t want her going to a party without him.