Page 108 of Under the Influence

"When..." he coughs, trying to get back some of the oxygen Drayton stole. "Are you going to learn that you don't call the shots?"

I take this opportunity to let him know that I'm done falling in line. "The days of you dictating this school are over. The Sharks as you know them? Done. And in case you haven't noticed, your spot on the top of the food chain here is gone. The new girl came to school, and Nash lost his head, and you know what's even better?" I sing, teasing him. "You executed yourself over a girl that wants your best friend."

I push him back into the lockers with a thud. His eyes go wide, and then squint like he's trying to figure out if I'm serious. "You don't know anything about Corinne."

"I know that she hates being called Corinne, especially when it's coming from you. So do yourself a favor, stay away from Lainey and Cori, or next time this little chit-chat won't be so cordial."

I expect him to yell or hit me—hell, anything really—but instead, he looks defeated. I don't wait around to see if he has anything left to say, and I revel in the fact that I had the last word, finally.

By the time I make it home from practice, Mom is standing over the stove stirring a pot of potato soup.

"Hey, Ma."

"Hey, Mad, how was your day, honey?"

"Eh," I sigh. "It was pretty normal. Same shit, different day."

"Language!" she warns, pointing the spoon at me. I giggle as the soup drips to the floor.

"Ugh, you'd think after taking care of you for almost seventeen years all by myself that I'd have this cooking thing down by now, and you'd know better than to curse in front of your mama."

"Sorry," I wince. "If it makes you feel any better, I think you are a wonderful cook."

"Well, let's wait until you taste it."

"I'm sure it's fine."

She huffs, "Shut up! You'd tell me it was good even if it wasn't."

She's right. I wouldn't hurt her feelings, I'd eat it anyway, soI shrug, not bothering to deny it.

"You'll make a great husband one day, kid."

"Only if she doesn't mind the touring and music."

Mom rolls her eyes, "I'm sure she won't mind. Not if she really loves you, but it's all about compromising Madden, remember that."

I open an app on my phone, pulling up the version of my song that Lainey produced, playing it for Mom. She listens intently, but unlike most, she really takes in the lyrics, repeating them to me. "You got my head in a mess. You're clueless. I'd say I love you, but that would be useless. Influence around your neck. You're choking. Arms around my body when I'm not the one you should be holding." She raises her brow, "Is my son in love?"

I roll my eyes at her, "They're just lyrics."

"This wouldn't have anything to do with the cheerleader that came here looking like a runway model and left in your clothes, would it?"

She has a good memory. I give her that. "No. She's just a friend, mom."

"Mhmm, it didn't sound like friendship."

"Mom!"

Jesus Christ.

"Mad, I'm your mother. I'm not stupid. I just hope you are being safe."

"Mom."

She shrugs, "It had to be said."

"No," I whine "No, it didn't."