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I don’t know why the news takes me by surprise. This whole moving in together conversation was on the table months ago. But she seemed to have been dragging her feet on making a decision. I guess I was hoping that her hesitation somehow meant she wasn’t interested. Looks like I was wrong.
I attempt to hone in my distaste at the announcement.I want her to be happy. I want her to be happy.
“Oh, you are?” I ask casually.
She nods. “Sometime over the next coming weeks.”
“You sure you know this guy well enough to move in with him?” I blurt out, and then I want to kick myself for interfering. I’m not exactly an unbiased commentator here.
See #TeamMomAndDad poster, referenced above.
My mother sighs heavily. “He isn’t perfect. But I know the deal I’m getting with him. As Troy said to me, we’re both growing older. No point in wasting time and playing games, y’know?” She touches the ruby pendant of her necklace as she speaks.
“Oh, that’s what Troy said, huh…?”
“Harry, don’t start.”
I reach out and squeeze her hand. “I just want to make sure you’re getting the best possible partner, Mom. Someone who deserves you. I don’t want you settling. You’re old but you’re still hot.” I wink.
But I’m serious—I don’t like the idea of some random guy gaslighting my brilliant and accomplished mother into putting up with him. I don’t know. Maybe I’m being dramatic.
Laughing, she slaps me on the arm. “I am notold.Just old-er.”
“Thanks for clarifying.” I drop my head to hide my grin.
“Troy’s a good man,” she continues, her eyes pleading with me to understand. “Thanks for your concern but I’m sure about this.” She exhales softly. “In any case, this move won’t happen overnight. I still have to hire a moving company and put my house on the market. But I’ve already started packing. There are boxes everywhere. You should see my house.”
I chuckle slightly. “You must be going crazy. I know that you’re a freak for organization.”
Her eyes go rolling. “Andyouare a slob.”
“I amsonot a slob. I just get…busy sometimes.”
“I’d bet your Christmas decorations are still up,” she challenges.
She’s not wrong, but I won’t confirm it.
She reads my face and rears back with laughter. “Knew it.”
“As I said—I get busy. And besides, I like Christmas. Who says you’re only allowed to have Holiday cheer between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? Holiday cheer is awesome. Why should I be judged for wanting Holiday cheer all year round?”
Mom is slowly shaking her head with mirth-filled eyes. “My sweet boy. What did I do to deserve you?”
“I’m awesome, right? You’re pretty damn awesome, too.” I grin at her. “And if you need help with your move, just let me know and we’ll work it around my schedule.”
She clutches her hands over her heart in appreciation. “I’ll take you up on that.”
Mom talks and talks while I finish eating. A new round of students are now seated behind us, enjoying their lunches. I give a little wave to the group of boys pointing in my direction.
“So what about you, Harry? Are you dating anyone lately? Any special girls you’re going to introduce me to soon?”
I feel my face burning, as I tilt my head side to side, unsure of how to answer that one.
Mom grins. “That looks like a yes. What’s her name?”
“It’s complicated. There is this girl I really like. Nadia.”
“Why are things complicated?”
