No use not copping. “Actually,
I quit my job. It was a long drive,
especially with gas so high.”
I consider mentioning the pervert
excuse, but decide to save it
in case I need it in the future.
Mom pauses, and I know she’s
considering what to say next.
What about Christmas?
I knew it! Knew she couldn’t
do Christmas without everyone
home. That’s my mom. Everything
has to be perfect. And how could
it be perfect without me? [You’re
kidding, right?] “What about it?”
Are you going to spend it at
home? Do you need me
to come out there and get you?
I’ve got a couple of choices
here. I could play smart-ass—
ask why she wants me to come
home, when she knows I’ll
only spoil the party. I could play
coy—tell her I’m not sure
of my holiday plans, could I let
her know? But the truth is, I want
to spend Christmas with my family.
Still, I don’t want to sound too
anxious. After all, she kicked me
out. “Let’s play it by ear. If my car