Page 28 of Meant to be Mine

Dad took that as his cue to leave. It was time for some girl talk.

“Tell me about the party,” she said.

“Mom, I already told you.”

“It’s going to be a great experience for you,” she said. “I’m so happy you get to experience something like this.”

“He’s very generous.”

“You admire him.”

“Of course I do. I always have.”

“You light up when you talk about him.”

“He’s my best friend. I’m allowed to light up.”

“Hmm,” was all she said.

I turned to look at her. “Don’t start.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to.”

She smiled serenely. “I was just going to say it’s nice. That you have someone like that.”

“Mom.”

“What?”

“I know what you’re doing.”

“Me?” Her attempt to sound innocent was not working.

“You’re implying things.”

“I’m not implying anything.”

“He’s never had a serious girlfriend,” I said absently. “As long as I’ve known him, not once. He dates. He just doesn’t stay. Three months, maybe four, and then it’s over and he’s on to the next thing. That’s just who he is. I don’t think he’s interested in a girlfriend.”

“People change,” she said mildly.

“Some people.”

“Why not Drew?”

“Because he’s—” I tried to find the right words. “He’s restless. He always has been. Even when we were kids, he was always onto the next thing. The next trip, the next idea, the next girl. It’s just how he’s wired. It keeps him interesting.”

“Or he just hasn’t found the right person to stay with.” She shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

“You’re always just saying.”

She smiled at my reflection. “I say things because I observe things. That’s my right as your mother.”

I laughed and walked to the vanity with the jewelry I was borrowing from her. I put on the diamond studs.

“He makes you happy,” she said simply, taking the necklace.