“If that man is bothering you, tell me. You should move back home.”
“Goodness, Mom. No one is bothering me. I told you it was an accident. My ex is harmless. A jerk, but he’d never hurt a fly.”
Sean, my ex, isn’t a dangerous man, but he is an asshole who tried to turn me into Susie Homemaker from the 1950s. When I wouldn’t quit my job to stay at home and instead told him I was going to apply to grad school, we broke up and haven’t spoken since.
“Mom, I promise I’m okay.” I switch the call to video so she can see for herself. “Move the phone back,” I say when I can practically see her pores.
“Sorry.” She laughs and puts some distance between her face and phone. “I’m glad you’re okay, then. If you need anything, call us.”
“I will.” I appease her.
All I want to do is heat up some leftover pasta and veg on the couch while I watch TV. Hopefully that helps me forget about the call I made—and Mr. Hot Deputy.
Seriously, who is that guy?
“I’m going to have dinner. We’ll talk tomorrow, Mom.”
“Goodnight, sweetie.”
“Night.” I hang up and walk to the kitchen, pulling out the container with my pasta. Serving myself some, I heat it up in the microwave and wait.
My phone beeps on the counter, and I see a text message from my best friend. All she sent were a ton of laughing emojis as a response to the voice message I sent her.
Me: Asshole
Dani: That’s hilarious. Who did you send it to?
Me: My new student’s mom.
Dani: Oh man. Too bad it wasn’t to Emily.
Me: I know. She’d laugh along.
Emily is another friend of mine. Teaching in a small town, you’re bound to teach your friends’ kids. Unfortunately, I sent the message to a woman who’s been living in town for a few months and doesn’t know me the way others might.
Me: When I see her, I’m going to hide.
Dani:
I love her, but she’s a jerk sometimes.
Me: By the way, did you hear about someone moving to town? A deputy?
Dani: No… Why?
Me: Just wondering. Heard something but didn’t get details.
Dani: Is that the deputy that showed up at your house?
Me: OH MY GOD. YOU TOO?
Dani: I was wondering how long it’d take you to tell me.
Me: It just happened! I give up. I’m oh-for-two today.
Me: I’m going to sleep.
I’m not going to live this down. I can just imagine the gossip around town.