SOPHIE
My mom giggles in the back of the taxi then shakes her head. I haven’t heard her giggle in years, and right now, I’m not sure what to expect. She leans towards me. “Do they all look like that?”
“Like … like Gunner, you mean?” I ask.
She nods.
I shrug. “I mean, they’re not like identical.”
“Big, handsome, and strong. Just like your dad.” She shakes her head. “It’s so strange seeing him again after so long.”
“Mom.”
“I mean, I kept pictures, but even in a hospital bed, your father is ….”
“We’re approaching gross territory, Mom,” I warn.
“What? You’re an adult now. I’m not so naïve to think you’re a virgin. You know what it’s like when you get close to someone, try to move on, and then see them again. There are so many what-ifs, so many thoughts.”
“Mine are usually along the lines of “what if he sees me? How can I avoid him the whole night.” I just … he’s my dad. I don’t really want to think about you guys having …. You know.”
“Sex?”
“Mom!”
“How do you think you were brought into this world? It definitely wasn’t a stork. You remember your baby pictures. It would have taken at least two very large birds to deliver you.”
I rub my forehead. She’s been here a day, and already I feel like a teenager again. Worse, she’s going to be meeting my partners and going on like this the whole time. Is it a mom thing? Like once their child comes to dating age a new gene kicks in that makes them the most embarrassing and oblivious people in the world?
When we get to the house, she looks up and whistles softly. “Wow.”
“So, I’ll show you to one of the empty rooms, and you can get settled.”
“And you can get back to work.” She agrees.
I show her where the kitchen is, the two living rooms, the gym, then show her to her room. She starts unpacking and tells me again and again that she can take care of herself, that she’s an adult and that this isn’t her first time staying somewhere new.
“Sophie?”
“Who’s that?” Mom’s ears perk.
“In here, Holden. My mom is going to be staying with us for a little bit.” I call, trying to make it clear that we have to behave.
Even though I’d much rather have him shove me against the wall and have me right now, it might help my stress level. Holden comes by, thankfully wearing a shirt, and nods to my mother. She waves, then continues unpacking, not bothering to hide anything – including her underwear.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Lane.”
“Oh, don’t call me that. I’ll feel old.” Mom laughs. “Just Diana.”
“Diana.” He corrects with a nod. His eyes flick to me, and he raises an eyebrow.
“I’m just about to head back to work unless you need help with something. Gunner has me scheduling. Is there anything you’d like to go over?”
“Yes.” He murmurs.
“Mom, get comfortable.” I bid. “I’ll see you for dinner.”
“We can go somewhere lovely where I can meet all these guys I’ve heard so much about. I can’t wait. Oh, but make sure you change first, honey. You can’t go out like that.”