‘I was.’
‘I spoke to Lee last night.’
The sun shone on my father’s face.
‘She says you two haven’t spoken in a week.’
I tried to move past him. I wasn’t even surprised. I was pissed. ‘You know I’ve heard all this before, right? The worried friends ... ’
‘This time I’m worried.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Who is this man that even Jen told me about, for chrissake?’
‘Dad ... ’
‘No. You just can’t be with a man who is so much older than you.’
I laughed. ‘Why not?’
‘It’s dangerous.’
‘Yeah? And what’s wrong with danger?’ I felt like I was talking to my mother.
My father stood up. ‘I will not allow you to be in danger.’
‘Come on. That’s funny.’
‘It is not funny!’
‘Oh god. Dad. I’m not in danger, okay?’ I have a cock around my neck as a talisman against violence.
‘Where is this man staying?’
‘Downtown.’
‘Where. I asked where.’
I was quiet. The sun disappeared.
‘You know, if you want to know so much about this man, just chat with Lee again. I’m fine with that, actually. She’s such a great storyteller. A great listener too. So just go huddle with her, okay?’
I finally got past my father. He was guilty and tight.
He cleared his throat strangely. ‘We have a cleaning lady coming here today,’ he said. ‘She was here last week too. She’s been a few times. Her name is Anna.’
‘Fine. Do I need to clean my room?’
‘No! She’s going to do it.’
‘I don’t want her in my room.’
‘Anna is from Indonesia.’
‘Great.’
I ran upstairs and slammed my door; left him stuck in the sun with that book of my mom’s.