I waited a few minutes for my stomach to settle, and then slowly stood. I jerked on a pair of basketball shorts, ran my fingers through my hair, and then headed in the direction of my mom.
“Rough night?” She grinned, telling me she already knew the answer.
“You could say that,” I grumbled as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
“Did you tell her?” Mom turned and leaned against the island, coffee in hand.
“Tell who what?” I played dumb. My mom always seemed to know everything no matter how hard I tried to keep things to myself.
“Ok Caleb, play dumb.” She laughed. “Did you talk to Riley? That’s the only thing that I can think of that would drive you this far.” She moved closer and rubbed my back. “I’m your mom. No matter how old you get, I’m gonna know when things are bothering you.”
I nodded before shuffling over to one of the barstools and sitting down. I held my mug between my hands and slowly turned it. Mom continued to stare at me, and finally I broke.
“Yes, ok. I talked to Riley last night. She was at the party. I don’t know how she got invited, but it just seems par for the course right now. I can’t seem to escape her.” I slowly shook my head.
“And?” Mom’s smile grew even bigger.
“We have a date tonight,” I muttered.
“Oh, Caleb!” Mom squealed as she bounced on her toes. “Wait ‘til I talk to Angela.”
“No!” My head snapped up, and pain shot straight through the middle. “I’m already trying to figure out how to avoid her dad. I don’t need you to give him information.” I rubbed my palm down my face.
“Honey.” Mom leaned over the island in front of me. “He’s gonna find out. You just need to be up front with him. He’s insane if he didn’t see this coming. I mean, Angela and I knew this was coming back when you two were four and five.” She laughed like this was a no brainer, and I just grumbled.
“Maybe Riley will tell him,” I mumbled around the lip of my mug.
“That’s not something that you’d say. You’ve never shied away from the truth. Be up front.” She stood, and started to walk away. “This is so awesome.” She giggled as she left me there. “Take your gear. You might need it,” she shouted down the hallway before I heard her bedroom door close. If I knew anything about my mom, she wasn’t listening to me and at this very moment, she was calling Angela, Riley’s mom. oooooooooRiley
It’s been a quiet day at home this morning. Dad went to the gym early, but I elected to stay here. I didn’t want to chance running into Caleb and having things be weird, although I was probably going to have to face that tonight. I haven’t told my parents yet. I know Mom will be thrilled, but Dad thinks I should take time away from boys. At the beginning of the summer, I tended to agree with him, but after that brief kiss last night I’m starting to feel differently.
“Riley?” I could hear Mom in the house. I came out to Dad’s home gym to work out, or hide out, whichever you choose to call it.
“In here!” I yelled back. I was in the back corner using the speed bag.
“You know, your dad would have put in a workout with you at the gym.” Mom stood in the doorway, leaning on the side.
“I know. I wanted to stay home.” I grabbed onto the bag to stop its movement.
“You sure that’s why you stayed home?” She smiled, and that’s when I knew that she knew. “You sure you’re not just avoiding Caleb?”
“Great. Does Dad know?” I bit my lip and cringed.
“Not yet.” Mom shrugged. “Ally just called me. She dragged it out of Caleb. Seems he didn’t want to tell anyone either. What are you two so afraid of?”
“My father is a retired MMA fighter. He thinks I should remain a virgin and join the nunnery. I don’t know why I’d want to keep this a secret. Caleb’s in college. He works for Dad. Sounds like a winning combination if I ever heard one.” I rolled my eyes.
“Honey.” Mom moved to stand next to me. “Your dad and I did this dance for years. Uncle Cole made a big deal out of us not being together, but it didn’t matter. It was a lot of work, but here we are, and we’re happy. If Caleb makes you happy, then go for it.” She swung her arm around my shoulder and squeezed.
“Just like that?” I tipped my head to the side.
“Yep. Just like that.” Mom nodded.
“And what about Dad?” I shifted my weight. “What if he wants to spar with Caleb?”
“I don’t think you give your father enough credit. He loves you, and he wants you to be happy.” She leaned her head on my shoulder. “If being with Caleb makes you happy, then he’ll accept it eventually.” Mom laughed. “In the meantime, I’ll help you.” She winked, and then turned to leave.
“What does that mean?” I turned, confusion all over my face.
“You really want to know?” Mom grinned.
“No, I don’t. Gross!” I made a gagging face, and turned back toward the bag.
“Don’t stay out here all day. We need to pick out something to wear on your date,” Mom sing-songed as she left.
Great. My mother wanted to play dress up.
