“I’m sure Carson doesn’t want to discuss his life and family.” I’m trying to save him, and myself, from all of this.
“Oh, Carson, you don’t mind, do you?” Mama turns on her charms and I know that it’s going to work on him. “It’s just harmless questions.”
“No, ma’am, I don’t.” I knew it. “Most people don’t take the time to ask me those questions, so it’s refreshing.”
I roll my eyes, lean in close to him and whisper, “The only questions you usually get are: do you have a condom, and are these clean sheets?”
He turns his head and lightly speaks close to my ear. “That’s not true, Kinley. They usually ask me how many orgasms can they expect or they ask if my dick really is as big as they’ve heard.”
Oh, he thinks he’s going to embarrass me. “Well, I’ve heard penile implants are very popular now-a-days.” I notice his mouth drops a little, and he smirks at me.
He’s about to say something, but Mama cuts him off. “Kinley, it’s not nice to whisper in front of people” She pulls her attention back to my unwanted guest. “Now, Carson, are you married? Kids?”
“I’m sure there are pending DNA tests on that last one, Mama,” I smart off again.
Carson doesn’t even acknow
ledge me. “I’m single, Mrs. Wright.”
Mama’s eyes grow wide with excitement. “I’m sure you’re aware that our dear, sweet Kinley is recently divorced.”
“Divorced? Why would anyone leave a girl as sweet as you, Kinley?”
Daddy chuckles. He knows that sweet isn’t the best way to describe me. I’m not mean, but I’m a tiny bit hardheaded. However, Carson’s statement makes me roll my eyes. “Thanks for that, Mama. And it’s a long, very boring story, Carson.”
Mom waves her hand away. “It’s a short story and Carson, she really is a good girl. She just prefers to be more career-oriented.” She uses a rude tone with that last part of the sentence.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m the same way. Everyone has their own goals and dreams and the right to follow them.” He looks over to me. He’s being sincere, but I don’t fall under his charm.
“I guess. Now, Carson, do you do well at this hockey-thing you play at?” Mama looks a little confused by her question.
Daddy laughs harder. “Forgive her, Carson, she isn’t a hockey fan. We’re more of a football family.”
“Oh yes, Kinley has already proven that to me. But I’m very good, Mrs. Wright. It’s why your daughter chose to work with me. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Ha!” I bark out quickly. “I was given an assignment. It’s not like I asked to work with you.”
Mama cut me her meanest look. “Kinley, don’t be rude. We didn’t raise you this way. Carson is trying to pay you a nice compliment, and you’re acting as if he’s dirt. You should apologize.”
My mouth drops. Like I would ever do that, but Mama is still giving me the look, and I know what it means. “Sorry, Carson,” I hiss at him.
“You’re forgiven.” He smiles.
I’ve never been so thankful to see the food arrive. I know that the conversation will die down. At least, I pray that it will. I don’t know how many more questions Mama has in her.
During the dinner, Daddy and Carson have a discussion about hockey, and I actually remembered a few things and learn a couple of others.
I keep thinking about the bad-boy campaign. Will it upset Carson’s family? Well, probably not since I’m sure they know how he is.
The waiter brings the bill, and Carson quickly snatches it up and pays for dinner. Daddy protests, but Carson smiles his charm at my daddy and says it’s his pleasure.
The four of us walk out together, and my parent’s car is out front. We say our goodbyes and Mama tells Carson not to be a stranger.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
I hug my parents and try to dodge Carson and head to my car. He easily catches up with me.
“I can’t believe you stayed through the entire dinner. Didn’t you have anything better to do or someone to do?”