Page 71 of Ravaged For You

“I don’t know, Mom. It’s not exactly date material to ask someone about their personal relationship to Jesus.”

“I think it’s the perfect thing to first ask someone. What if he’s not Christian, Maddie? Have you thought of that? What if he’s… Muslim?”

The fear in her voice. I don’t think Axel’s religion is the first thing she should be worried about the rockstar.

God. She’s going to find out he’s a rockstar. That’s worse than being a Muslim in her books.

“I doubt he’s Muslim, Mom.”

“You better not be joking around with me, Maddie. You know my poor heart can’t take much. You don’t want to be the one giving your own mother a heart attack.”

“I’m not joking.”

“What does he do for a living?”

“He works… in the music industry.”

There’s a violent intake of breath.

“Lord help us,” she replies. “Of course he does so in a cesspit like LA. You do know that if you’re sleeping with him, then it’s a sin. Nothing before marriage.”

“Not everyone can be as strict adherents to the Bible as you are,” I remark. “But, no, we’re not sleeping together.”

Well, maybe in the same bed. But I’m not mentioning that.

I’d once made the mistake of telling Mom that not every Christian needs to be as fundamentalist as her. That people can lead normal lives and still have faith and be good Christians. Let’s just say that Mom did not exactly agree with that statement.

“There’s only one thing I can do,” Mom says definitively. “I need to meet this boy. Get a handle on him. Then I’ll know if he’s right for you or not.”

“Well, that’s what this call is about, Mom. I want you to meet him. In fact, his mother wants to meet you.”

“His mother?”

“We’ve actually met already.”

“You’ve met his mom?”

“Yes, was that bad?”

There’s a huff on the other end. “Nothing.”

She’s jealous.

“I know it’s a big ask, but it would be nice for you to come out here,” I say. “Axel is willing to pay for your flight from Wisconsin.”

“Honey, you know my thoughts about Los Angeles.”

“I certainly do. You’ve told me enough times.”

“You know I detest that pool of sin, but I also don’t need some stranger paying for my own flights. I’m coming. To save you, if for nothing else.”

I nearly drop my phone. I did not expect that.

“Wait, so you’ll actually be here? You’re coming?”

“Yes. When is convenient for this Axel fellow and his mother?”

I stutter. “As soon as possible. He’s actually leaving for a job in a few days, so the sooner the better.”