you?” He waved an arm around the office like he was presenting me with the world’s greatest gift.
“For what?”
“For what?” he repeated, pushing off the desk and stalking toward me. “For providing you with a future that you clearly cannot provide yourself on your own. What would you even be without me?” he snapped, as if he’d ever given me a choice.
It was truly a wonder how I’d gotten to go to Fullton State in the first place and play baseball.
“I want to see Mom,” I said, hoping that he’d let me leave and that showing me this office was the only reason he’d made me stop here in the first place, that there wasn’t something else up his sleeve.
“Good luck with that,” he said with a groan.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“She’s probably asleep. She’s never awake anymore.”
My jaw clenched. “How would you even know? You’re never home.”
His finger was in my face instantly. “Watch your tone, boy. You think you know everything, but you don’t know shit.”
“Can I go now?” I pretended to be unmoved by his behavior, but he intimidated the hell out of me. I hated how I still felt like a little kid his presence.
“Ungrateful asshole. Leave,” he said, and I took off before he changed his mind, hating that I’d have to see him later that night.
My Favorite Person in Arizona
Mac
“M
om!” I shouted as I walked through the front door, unsure of where I’d find her, if I’d find her at all.
DD hadn’t been wrong when he said she was probably sleeping, but there was a chance she might be awake. She knew I was coming home today.
“Mac?” Her voice sounded quiet and soft as she pulled open one of the bedroom doors and stepped out of it, fully dressed. It made me happy to see her up and alert. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Hey, Mom.” I walked up the stairs and gave her a hug, smelling the faint hint of alcohol on her breath. She didn’t seem even remotely hammered, but the scent still deflated me. “How are you? You look nice,” I complimented, and she seemed so genuinely happy with my words. I wondered when the last time was that she’d heard something nice.
“I’m hanging in there.” Her hand cupped my face as she gave me a kiss on the cheek. “How are you? You look so handsome. Now, tell me about this girl of yours.” She linked her arm in mine as we navigated down the stairs together.
I had almost forgotten that I’d texted her pictures of Sunny and me during Thanksgiving while we were in New York. She wanted more information, but I told her that I’d fill her in when I came home. Mom had accepted that response and never pushed me, but I’d sent her pics all weekend.
“She’s amazing, Mom. You’d love her,” I started to say before she interrupted.
“I really like her silver hair.” She smiled as she fiddled with her phone before turning it around to show me. It was a picture of Sunny and me on top of the Empire State Building at night, her hair blowing around in the wind.
“I like it too,” I agreed before being struck with an idea. “Do you want me to video-chat with her, so you can say hi?” I asked, and she looked so pleased.
“I don’t look very nice.” She started messing with her hair, trying to tame the unruly, unbrushed pieces.
“You look perfect,” I said even though she did look a little bit like a hot mess. Sunny would never say a word, and I figured that since she might never get to meet my mom, this would be a nice gesture for both of them.
“Let’s sit at the table.” I redirected us to the kitchen table, and we sat side by side as I pressed on Sunny’s name.
Her face lit up my screen as she answered immediately. I swore it hadn’t even gotten the chance to ring twice.
“Sexy boyfriend. How’s Arizona?” she asked.
I made a face, willing her to stop. I never knew what might come out of that girl’s mouth.
“Hot. My mom’s here.” I tilted the phone, so my mom’s face was in the frame before Sunny could say anything else that might embarrass me.
“Oh.” Sunny looked flustered. “Hi, Mrs. Davies. Sorry I called your son sexy. But I mean, I guess it’s your fault anyway. You made him,” she kept running off at the mouth, and if she were near me, I would have