Page 79 of A Lick and A Promise
Dream wasn’t a hippie-dippy vegan earth mother for nothing.
And I wasn’t a boho vigilante for the same reasons.
In other words, we apples did not fall far from their tree.
And the crazy-ass way Mom decorated that teetered precariously five steps down from hoarding, and had odes to the Southwest, which we lived in, was understandable.
However, these were juxtaposed with anything that took her fancy as she lived her life, from perusing flea markets to when she and Dad were traveling. Therefore, this included a variety of ethnic curios and mid-century modern and art deco vibes, and memories.
Right then, part of that diversity was Knox Chambers sitting on my parents’ couch with his bad leg stretched out in front of him.
I refused to allow it to penetrate that he looked rested, much more himself, and I absolutely refused to allow how comfortable he seemed lounged on my parents’ couch to process in my brain.
The dogs, including the one owned by me, came into the living room with me. But it was only Jacques who raced to Knox, jumped up and lay down beside him, tongue out, I Spent All Day with Uncle Knox! happy.
My sister was in the room too, as were her kids toddling around among the canines (except Harmony, who didn’t toddle yet, she was in a playpen).
Dream was sitting in an armchair, watching me.
When my accusatory eyes landed on her, she lifted both hands and said, “Don’t look at me.”
Mom bustled in with a glass of white and a big smile.
“There you are, petal.” She handed me the glass and gave me a kiss before saying, “We heard what happened to Knox, and I got worried about him being cooped up in his house all alone, so I asked him over for dinner. Your dad went to get him after work. We thought you could take him home.”
Fabulous.
Now I was also Knox’s Lyft.
She turned to Knox and oozed mom all over him. “It’s important, since you’re somewhat mobile, to change your environment. Cabin fever never did anyone’s recovery time any good, and everyone needs to get out and get some vitamin D. I’m so glad you agreed to come!”
After delivering that, she bustled out.
“I’ll just see if Mom needs any help,” Dream said, getting up and throwing over her shoulder, “Watch the kids, will you?”
Before I agreed, Dream disappeared.
I turned to Knox. “Are you serious right now?”
He grinned.
“No, seriously. Are you serious right now?” I demanded.
“Your mom called and asked me to dinner. What am I supposed to do? Say no?”
Right.
Why would he say no?
He was my friend. I was his friend. Mom and Dad were in our circle.
Friends went to dinner with friends, or at friends’ parents’ houses.
Right?
Right.
Shit.
