in the history of teas. And if I never have to sit through another it will be too soon. First of all we had the twenty questions—there isn’t a thing Mom doesn’t know about Guy and his family. Then we had so many awkward silences it was embarrassing. Most unlike Mom. Especially with Uncle Peter there.
Now I know why I didn’t bring boys home in the past. I really don’t know how Rosie tolerated it. Though thinking back, I do remember Rosie giving Mom a talking to one time when Mom was so obviously impressed with this boy she was practically writing the wedding invitations.
I will admit, finding out Guy’s dad works for a TV company was pretty amazing. Maybe he can get tickets for us to watch a show being recorded.
“No thank you, Mrs Green.” He glances down at his watch. I think that’s a hint.
“We’ve got to go Mom or we’ll miss the start of the movie.” I jump up from my seat. “Bye everyone. Good to see you Uncle Peter. I won’t be late.”
Guy follows my lead and stands. You know, he’s got great manners. Mom and Dad should be very impressed. He even brought Mom some flowers when he arrived. Not only that Guy has all the right credentials: rich family, heading for an Ivy-League college and good career, virgin—okay obviously my mother doesn’t know that. Nor will she. Duh. Of course she does because she asked he was at the meeting the other night.
Guy’s car is parked at the end of our drive and when we’ve reached it I look back toward the house where Mom is standing by the window waving. I wave back then quickly close the door, sinking into the leather seat and wriggling around until I’m comfortable. I’ve never known an eighteen year old guy have a flash car like this before. Talk about how the other half live. And I bet his house is a mansion too, unlike ours.
“I’m so sorry for putting you through all that,” I say once Guy pulls away from the side of the road. “All those questions. Mom excelled herself tonight.”
He reaches over and rests his hand on mine, and my heart begins to zip-zap all over the place. Then, suddenly he snatches his hand away and places it back on the steering wheel.
Why did he do that? Ah. The handbook. No touching. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought.
“It was fine. I like your parents. They’re cool.”
Cool? What is he on? Cool is not a word any of my friends have ever used to describe my Mom and Dad before. Not that they’re awful or anything. Just a bit boring and parent-like. Now if you want cool parents then look no further than Maddie’s—even if Maddie can’t talk about sex with her mom.
“I’ll take your word for it. And bringing flowers was definitely a smart move. Mom’s a sucker for anything like that.”
“I didn’t do it to get on her good side.” He sounds annoyed I would even suggest it, but come on. Why else do you do that sort of thing?
“Not even a little bit?” I tease. He visibly bristles.
“No. It’s polite to take a little gift when you’re invited places. I always do.”
Well according to that it sounds like I haven’t been brought up properly. Which is just not true. I do know how to behave, even if I don’t shower my host with gifts every time I call around for a visit.
For the next little while we travel in silence and I focus my attention on the cars parked in their driveways as we pass them. A couple of times I sneak a peek at Guy, but his eyes are firmly fixed on the road ahead and his chin juts out in a funny sort of belligerent way. I’ve never noticed it before. I’m beginning to suspect I’ve ruined the evening before it’s even properly started. Which is simply ridiculous, childish and pathetic. And I’m far too mature to let it continue.
“Hey, Guy,” I say brightly. “Fancy stopping at Starbucks on the way? I could murder a frappuccino.” He glances down at his watch and frowns.
“We don’t have time. But we can go after the movies. Okay?”
“Sure. As long as I’m not too late home.”
Shut up. Why do I always do it? At my age you don’t say you have to be in early. Arrggggh. What is it with me and this transformation? It’s playing havoc with