“Really? Two pies?”
She nods, her grayish-brown ponytail bobbing.
“Yep, and loaded with toppings too. No plain cheese for me.”
I giggle.
“That sounds totally over-the-top, yet believable too. But what about you, Mom? How are things going with you?”
Jeannie nods.
“Well, I have some good news,” she says with a sly smile. “I got a job.”
I lean forward with excitement.
“OMG, that’s wonderful! Where?”
My mom’s expression is positively smug now.
“I’ve been placed through a prison work-release program as a receptionist for a gastroenterologist. Pretty awesome, right?”
I nod.
“Yes, but what does a gastroenterologist do? Sorry, I don’t know my “ologies” that well.”
My mom smirks.
“That’s the best part, sweetheart. A gastro handles all sorts of digestive disorders, from constipation, to diarrhea, to giving people colonoscopies. Pretty gross, right?”
I nod.
“Very, but it’s perfect for you, Mom. I mean, those laxatives were killer.”
Jeannie giggles.
“I know. I perfected the secret sauce in my cell, and let me tell you, it’s formulated for maximum effect. Maybe I should see if my new employer could use some. You never know,” she says with a wink. “There are definitely some patients who could benefit, that’s for sure.”
With that, we both descend into gales of laughter because life is just so absurd sometimes. Who would have guessed that my mom’s prison skills would translate into a full-time job? Even more, Jeannie helped me wreak my revenge, and I’m grateful for that.
But then, Brody strides into the room and my mom shoots me a knowing wink.
“Okay, I’m going to give you lovebirds some private time now. You don’t need a meddling mother-in-law hanging out non-stop.”
“Mom, we love having you around. You know that.”
Jeannie nods.
“Still, it’s time I got going. Bye everyone,” she sings before disappearing out the front door. “I’ll tell you more about gastroenterology next time.”
My boyfriend stares after the door closes.
“Gastroenterology? Is that what I think it is? Please tell me your mom’s staying on the right side of the law.”
I giggle.
“No, she just got a job at a doctor’s office, and he specializes in digestive disorders, that’s all. Pretty coincidental, right?”
My boyfriend’s black brows go up.