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“No.” My mother smiles. “I just want to keep her company, that's all. I feel like we'll have lots to talk about while you and Opa are in there.”
And here I thought I'd avoided that conversation.
Once Leo and Dad disappear into the reptile house, my mother wastes no time starting in on me.
“I know what I saw when you crashed into the trashcan and I know that you know I saw it. What's going on? Have things gotten serious with the man from the club? If they have, why didn't you tell me? If they aren't, you're being safe, right? The last thing I want is for you or Leo to get hurt.
“And who are these men that Leo’s started talking about? Are they new friends from the Academy? Did you meet them at work? Or is one of them the person you've been seeing?”
The questions come one after the other so fast, I'm not sure how she's managing to breathe.
Maybe I should have braved the reptile house after all.
“I promise I will answer all your questions, but I need you to try and keep an open mind, okay?”
“I can do that.” She nods.
It's clear as I tell her the G-rated version of how things unfolded with my teachers that this wasn't even close to what she was expecting me to say.
I search her face for any sign of disappointment or disgust, but all I see is worry.
“And they're actually okay with you seeing all three of them?”
“They were the ones who suggested it, actually.”
“Okay, so all four of you are, uh, together sometimes?”
“Do you actually want the answer to that question?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“No, not really. You're all consenting adults and it's not my business. I just—It's irrational, but I feel like if I know everything, I can protect you better. There are some things that are better left private. The question just slipped out. It was rude. I'm sorry.”
“I forgive you, especially since I know it's because you care about me,” I say, giving her hand a squeeze.
“Avery, I really am worried. After everything that went on with Kyle, and now this thing with three men? Are you sure you know what you're doing? I mean, one of them is only five years younger than your father. I don't know what's in your mind or in your heart, but from the outside, it looks extremely reckless.”
I feel a prickle of anger under my skin, but her concerns are reasonable. If Leo came and told me all of this one day, I'm sure I'd react the same way.
So instead of snapping at her, I count to ten and get myself settled before answering her.
“It wasn't something I'd planned. It just happened. We have an undeniable connection. They respect my boundaries and understand that for me, Leo always comes first. They build up my confidence and treat me like I'm a whole person. How they treat me versus the way Kyle did is like night and day. I don't know how serious things will get or if it will ever become more than just exclusively dating, but right now, I'm happier than I've been in a while. Could you and Dad just give us the benefit of the doubt? They're good people.”
She sighs. “I suppose that's not too much to ask. I just?—”
“Worry. I know, but this isn't like it was with Kyle. I know if you just met them, you'd understand—or start to, anyway,” I say.
“Alright, we’ll do it.”
“Do what?”
“What you just said. Your father and I will meet them and see for ourselves. You pick a time and a place, and we'll show up.”
“I'll talk to them about it tonight.”
“Wonderful.” She smiles.
This is probably the best outcome that could have happened, so why am I feeling so nervous?
I guess I really should have braved the reptile house…
