“True, but he’s been kind of different ever since he came back from that mission trip. You’d think setting out on a road trip to go help people build houses would make him more appreciative, not weird.” The mall was busy with Labor Day sales shoppers, and Lori led the way to the long line for the register. “I’m not really sure how to explain it, I guess.” She adjusted the shoebox she held on her hip like a baby.
“Now I’m invested in the story. You have to try to explain. You can’t just stop there. How is he being different? I need specifics.” Eva took a moment to think about what she’d said then added, “But not too specific, of course.”
“Well, he’s not as affectionate and gentlemanly as he was before. He used to hold my hand, open doors for me, rub my feet. He hasn’t done any of that since he’s been home.”
“I wouldn’t want to rub your feet either.” Eva chuckled and pinched the tip of her nose.
“I’m being serious, Eva.”
“Okay, okay. Sorry. He might be scared. Didn’t you tell me that you’re the first person he’s dated since his divorce? Maybe it’s too soon for him.” The line moved forward, and they shuffled closer to the checkout counter.
“Yeah, I guess he might feel like things have been moving too fast.”
“You should talk to him tonight when you go out.” She could tell her mom was upset and tried to brighten the mood. “Where are you guys going?”
“To the Lorton Performance Center at the university. I got free tickets from work to go see the ballet perform tonight. I know you hate any stage performance that doesn’t involve singing, so Bill’s going to be my date,” Lori said, sounding a little more chipper.
“I don’t hate the ballet. I just don’t understand why they can’t break out into song every once and a while. Life would just be so much better as a musical. When is Bill coming by to pick you up?”
“I’m taking my car, but he’ll stop by the house for a second first. He’s going to follow me to the Performance Center. We’ll leave his car there if we go anywhere after.”
“You still have an issue with the way he drives?”
“God, it’s so annoying. He does the speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down thing. It makes me want to scream every time I’m in the car with him. But I think I’ve done a pretty good job avoiding the issue. Hence, the whole he’s following me and we’ll drop his car off when we need to thing. I really don’t think he suspects anything.”
“Yet,” Eva interjected. “You can’t refuse to ride with him forever.”
“Sure I can. You never drive when we’re together.”
“You’ve been tricking me for the past seven years? That’s not very nice.” They finally reached the register, and Eva carefully lowered the dress onto the counter.
“But you didn’t figure it out until just now.”
Eva opened her mouth but couldn’t think of a witty retort. “True.”
“Did y’all find everything okay today?” the cashier asked cheerily.
“Yes, thank you,” Lori replied while digging through her luggage-size purse.
“Too bad you didn’t find a smaller bag,” Eva snickered.
“My purse works just fine, thank you. Everything I need is in here.”
“Yeah, but you can’t ever find exactly what you’re looking for.”
“Can too.” Lori pulled out her wallet.
“Gross, Lori. It’s covered in old Kleenex fuzz.”
Lori put the tissue back in her purse. “But you love me anyway.”
“Well, of course I love you. I just don’t love all the dried up snot you carry with you.”
Lori laughed and handed the cashier her credit card before she had time to announce the total.
“Thanks for the dress, Mom.” Eva leaned the side of her head against her mom’s. “I can’t wait to wear it tonight.”
“You’re going to look beautiful. Just like your mama.”
She and Lori linked arms and headed for the doors leading to the parking lot.
Three
Mahna mahna. Do doo be-do-do. Mahna Mahna. Do do-do do. Mahna Mahna. Do doo be-do-do be-do-do be-do-do be-do-do-doddle do do do-doo do!
The Muppets alarm cheerfully squawked through Eva’s gold phone, waking her from a much-needed nap. She groped around her bedside table for her bottle-cap lens glasses, but instead knocked everything off to the floor.
“Shit!” She rolled to her side and felt around the carpet for her glasses. “There you are.” She used the bottom of her shirt to wipe off the fingerprints before pushing them onto her face.
She hung her head over the edge of the bed and picked up the candle and picture frame she had pushed onto the floor.
In the photo, a ten-year-old Eva flashed a wide smile at the camera. Her arm stretched around an equally excited girl with bright green eyes and messy blond pigtails.
Eva’s ringtone blared, and she slid her thumb up the face of the phone. “Hey! I was just thinking about you.”
“I am all sorts of fabulous,” Bridget replied.
“Do you remember when we got lost together in the rain forest exhibit at the zoo?” She flipped onto her back and held the picture above her face.
“Of course! And that weird bird wouldn’t stop screeching and pulling my hair. He was doing me a favor though. I did look like that blond Powerpuff Girl. So embarrassing.”