Page 18 of Changing Lanes

Walking back to my dorm room, all I can think about is calling my mom. Sometimes, you need advice that comes straight at you. Honest and trustworthy. If there’s one thing I know, you can’t trust everyone with your happiness. Your mom wants you healthy and happy. It’s that simple. Taking my phone out, I hit her number and she answers on the second ring.

“Hey, handsome.” Mom’s sweet voice makes me smile instantly. She has so much going on with me not being home now, still, she finds time to check on me.

“Hey, Mom. How’s it goin’?” I try to sound upbeat, knowing she’ll suspect anyway.

“You know it’s all good. Now, spill.” Moms. Pretty sure they know everything as it happens.

“I met someone.” The tone of voice reveals my heavy heart, I’m sure.

“A boy? A girl?” Games. She’s got games.

“A girl. A woman.” Correcting myself but wanting her to also understand Torrie’s different.

“Okay. So, what’s the problem?” She’s such a straight shooter.

“I don’t know. Me. Her. Nothing.” Walking over to a bench, I sit under a tree, looking out over campus. “She’s amazing, but I know she doesn’t believe it.” I wait to hear her wisdom, knowing I’ll hear a mouthful over Ava.

“And that’s it?” Her tone is stern, as it always is when she knows there’s more to the story.

“No.”

“So, what?” She waits for me to find my words.

“She’s from New York. She’s wealthy, well her parents’ are, therefore, she is. She likes me, but it feels like she’s embarrassed by me.” Simple. So why is it so complicated?

“You do realize there may be a perfectly logical explanation? You also know this could be your worry and not hers? It’s as if you always find a reason to doubt all the good things. You deserve to be happy, so be happy. Do you love her?” How can mothers put life into perspective in a few sentences?

“Possibly. No, I’m not in love, but I sure as hell could be, Mom. Torrie is amazing. Smart. Beautiful. She calls me, ‘country boy’. I’m not sure where it’s going, but I sure do want to enjoy the ride.” About the time I say the words, I look up and see Torrie walking across campus. Breathtaking.

“Well then, buy the ticket. Life has a way of working out, one way or another.” She’s right, as always.

“She’s walking toward me, right now. She’s utterly perfect.” I straighten in my seat as she gets closer, praying she’s looking for me.

“Is she now? Do you have a picture?” Rolling my eyes, I smile wickedly as Torrie stands in front of me.

“I’ll get you one, okay?” Torrie whips her head around, turning from side to side. She’s uncomfortable. I think I know why. “Would you like to speak to her?” Torrie’s face goes red, then pale. She shakes her head like a mad woman, waving her hands in front of her. “You would? Alright, hang on a sec, Mom.”

Handing Torrie the phone, her face moves from caustic to pleasant as she realizes who I’m talking to. She really thought I was handing her over to Ava. Torrie is jealous as hell; I must admit, I like it. I’m not sure I’ve ever had someone be jealous.

“Mrs. O’Hurley, it’s so good to speak with you. How are you? Wonderful.” Her eyes light up as she gazes down at me.” He is. He’s a very good man. Very good.” She runs her eyes down my body and back up. “Really? Good to know. I will, thank you. It was a pleasure speaking to you. Hope to meet you soon.” She hands the phone back with a smile.

Never allowing my gaze to leave Torrie’s, I finish the call with my mom. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll call you back a little later.”

“She sounds great. Now, stop thinking. I love you.” My mom is the best damn woman I’ve ever known. I couldn’t love her more.

“Love you.” I don’t even know if I hang the phone up, all I need to know is here. “What’s going on?”

“I had to find you. Come back with me, please?” As much as I want to, we need to clear the air on equal ground.

“No, not yet. Let’s talk.” I offer her a place to sit, which she accepts. After a few minutes of silence, she breaks.

“Brannon, my father is an arrogant asshole. He doesn’t respect me; therefore, he will not respect you. I’m not ashamed of you, I’m ashamed of him. I can’t stand the thought of him hurting you in any way.” Her head down, she trembles with her words.

“Torrie, I’m not your normal eighteen-year-old boy. When my dad passed, I had to grow up fast. Sometimes, I think my mom regrets depending on me so much, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. My dad would have expected it. I pride myself in who I am,” I explain, hoping she understands.

“I never meant for you to think I was embarrassed by you. I’m not, I’m proud to have you by my side.” She glances over at me, smiling shyly.

“I’ve never met anyone like you, Torrie. I know I’m not who some think you deserve. I’m not rich, I don’t always speak properly, but I’m a hard worker. If I can’t offer you a thing more than what you already have, know you’ll always have my heart.” Tilting my head, I look at her until she returns my gaze.