The Love Game (The Game, #1)

CHAPTER Twenty-Eight – Braden

“No, Mom. She's not a 'weekend buddy', as you put it,” I groan into the phone.
“Well Megan told Gloria you were dating, and when Gloria told me this morning over breakfast, I told her that was silly, that my boy isn't a dating kind of boy. She was adamant though, Braden, that you were dating this Maddie girl.”
“That's because I am.”
My mom has never been speechless before now. She has an answer for everything, and I guess that's where I get it from.
“You are?” she shrieks, delighted. “Oh, Braden! Thomas, Thomas! Gloria was right! Braden has a girlfriend!”
I cringe at how high she's squealing to my father. I hear his baritone voice declaring, “That's lovely, darling, I'm so happy for him, but could you possibly turn down the strangled cat a notch or two?”
I snort into my fist.
“Oh, what's she like, Braden? I must meet her. Oh, I'm so happy for you,” Mom babbles.
“Honestly, Mom, I'm dating her, not marrying her.”
“I know, I know, but she's your first girlfriend!”
“No she isn't.”
“Yes, darling, she is. You usually just sleep with them, and I know sleeping is all you do. Now, I've never been one to get involved in your business because, well, boys will be boys and all that. In fact, your Uncle Calvin was exactly the same when we went to college. Anyway, I'd just love to meet her.”
“I've been dating her for like, two weeks. Can you let me, y'know, be with her first?”
“Oh, you mean you haven't done it yet? Oh, good for her.”
“Mom, not like that!” Kill me. Just f*cking shoot me now. “Be in a relationship with her. Let us get to know each other before I introduce her to my family, okay?”
“Oh, well I suppose.” She's pissed. Oh well. Damn Megan!
“I have to go, Mom,” I lie. “I have to get to class.”
“Of course you do. Now, be good, and make sure you use protection. I'm happy for you, Braden, but not that happy, do you understand?”
“Yes, Mom.” I grit my teeth. “Goodbye, Mom.”
“Goodbye, Braden.”
I put the phone down and sigh. Good god, I love my mom, but she's a f*ckin' nightmare sometimes. Not to mention embarrassing. Really embarrassing.
I shake my head and glance out the window. Being directly opposite the main campus, I can see people coming and going. A fire-red head next to a blonde one catch my eye as they leave the gates, and I grin. I jump up onto my bed and push the window open, putting my fingers into my mouth and whistling loudly.
Maddie jumps, and Megan gives a perfunctory look over her shoulder, notices me, and gives me the finger. I laugh, return the gesture, and Maddie looks up at me smiling. She waves and I wink at her, blowing her a kiss. She laughs and shakes her head. She turns away, and they head towards Starbucks.
Damn Starbucks. The one near campus probably remains open on Maddie and Megan's money alone.
I grab the remote from the side and flick the TV on, reaching out with my leg to press the Xbox's start up button with my toe. I don't have a class for two hours.... I might as well put it to good use and get some practice in killing zombies.