“Why aren’t you talking to Ava about her sex life? Jesus, Dad. I’m with my friends, a senior in high school. Just leave it alone. Even Mom gets that.”
“Are you high, Logan? Because—”
Tessa squeezes my hand, and I close my eyes, trying to reel it in. Quite frankly, I forgot she was here. And now she heard what he just said about my high school days, and she wasthatfucking girl. Un. Fucking. Real!
“No, Dad, I’m not. I have only had a couple drinks. I’m not driving. I’m not gonna bang Sadie—”
“What?Sadie?”Oh fuck no.“What the hell happened to the girl from the other night?”
“She’s my friend.”
“Okay, look, why don’t you try that girl instead, Logan? She seemed nice.” I let go of Tessa’s hand and grab the steering wheel like it’s some sort of stress ball and squeeze it.
“Dad, I like this girl.”
“Logan, I don’t think—”
Tessa smacks my abs.
“Why don’t you come home?”
“I will in the morning, Dad. I’ll piss in a cup so you know I’m not doing drugs, and I’ll sit on your lap and let you readGood Night Moonto me, if that’s what you need.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“I’m not a baby, Dad. I’m almost eighteen. I do well in school, I’m not on drugs, I play sports, and I’m going to college next year. Isn’t that good? Now please, let me grow up.”
“I’m proud of who you are, Logan. I just want you to be able to wake up tomorrow and feel proud of yourself.”
Logan sighs. “I planned to ask her out tonight.”
“Sadie? You sure, Logan, because—”
Tessa smacks my chest again, making me stop, and I hold her hand still as I look at her and mouth, “Ouch.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Do you love her?”
“Dad?” he whines like a little boy being asked to do the dishes.
“Be smart and be safe, okay?”
“Yeah, you, too.”
“I love you.”
“Love you, too.” And then he hangs up.
I look over at Tessa. “Sorry about—”
“Don’t be.” The pressure of a truly uncomfortable situation is eased when she laughs. “Sadi?”
“I know. What the hell?”
“She was a kid. I’m sure she’s happy now.”
“We were kids.”