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“I didn’t mean to, but I’m glad I did. Forgive yourself so Tyler can forgive you.”
Her words ring through my head.Forgive yourself so Tyler can forgive you.
Cat stands up and holds her arms out. “Let’s go for a swim.”
I place my hands in hers and let her pull me up. We link arms and run down to the water together.
* * *
“Hey! You’re finally home!” My mom greets me at the door as soon as I step inside. “I’d like you to join us for dinner.”
Us?Who's us? And why is she so chipper to see me? She hardly ever offers dinner, only one time since I’ve been home, and it was an awkward meal without much conversation. I don’t care for a repeat.
“I didn’t know you were cooking tonight. I’m sorry, I already ate with a friend,” I say. It’s sort of the truth. I ate with Cat earlier, but it was around lunchtime.
But I’m not hungry. I’m tired from being at the beach all day and I have an interview first thing in the morning.
“You already ate? With who?”
I narrow my eyes at her. Why is she suddenly so concerned about dinner?
“Cat. Remember her from high school?”
“I guess. Will you please at least sit with us?” she says through clenched teeth, obviously not caring about how I spent my day.
“Who else is here? What is suddenly so important about dinner?”
“Shh, keep your voice down.” Mom grabs my arm and pulls me away from the dining room and into the living room. “It’s Tom. He’s here to meet you and have dinner. Can you please do me a favor and go clean up and have dinner with us?”
Why is she acting this way? Like I have to meet him tonight or else. If I’m not mistaken, I swear I almost hear a hint of fear in her voice. She never seemed frantic around Dad. Who the hell is this Tom?
“Alright, I’ll get ready. I didn’t realize it meant so much to you.”
“Well, it does. Be in the dining room in ten minutes.”
I trudge up the stairs, wishing I could crawl into bed instead.
I don’t want to meet her boyfriend. It seems weird. Like she’s cheating on Dad or something. And I know she’s not. But still. It’s weird.
I need to be mature about it, though. No use in acting like a little kid trying to scare off Mom’s new boyfriend.
After a quick shower, I’m back downstairs. I hope she doesn’t expect me to be dressed up. Sweats and a messy bun are as good as it’s gonna get.
When I round the corner into the dining room, I find Tom sitting at the head of the table.Dad’s chair.
I swallow back the words, the protest I want to spew. I sit in my usual chair next to my mother, who sits to the right of Tom.
“Chloe. It’s nice to meet you. Your mom has told me so much.” His voice is sugary sweet. A little too much.
“Why don’t you sit over there next to Tom, Lo?” Mom asks as she begins passing around the food. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. One of Dad’s favorites.Hmm.
“In Drew’s seat? No, that’s okay.”
“There are no assigned seats. Don’t be silly.” Mom appears flustered as she spoons some potatoes onto her plate.
Silly? We’ve always sat in the same spots.
“So Chloe. Your mom has been telling me about your school. All the way in California, huh?” He winks at me.
