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We ready our tea before sitting opposite one another at the kitchen table. I hover over the warm mug and let the tendrils of steam creep up my cheeks, warming them.
As I let the beverage steep, repeatedly dunking the tea bag into the steaming water, I continue to mull over whether I’ll take Bodhi up on his offer or not.
“What has got you over there thinking so hard?” My mom asks.
“Hmm, oh, it’s nothing,” I say offhandedly.
“Mhmm, and you’re not over there drowning that poor tea bag. Spill,” she says, blowing over her mug as she brings it to her lips.
“I’m pretty sure that’s the point of tea, Ma,” I say, but release the tea bag all the same, leaning on my crossed forearms. “I got invited to go to a race this weekend,” I say.
“And?”
“And it’s over eight hours away, and I would have to stay overnight the night before,” I explain.
“I’m still not seeing the problem here, Keaty-Kat,” My mom smiles at me over the rim of her mug, my childhood nickname tugging at the corners of my lips.
“I’m just worried about being that far away from you. What if something happens?” I say, expressing my concern as I warm my hands around my drink.
“Well, just be extra cautious and nothing bad will happen,” she smiles knowingly.
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it,” I chuckle.
“Honey,” she reaches across the table, and I meet her outstretched hand with my own, finding comfort in the gentle squeeze of her warm fingers. “I am just fine. We have been over this.”
“I know, it’s just—”
“Just nothing. You have done more for this family than you ever should have had to. And I will never be able to express how grateful I am for that.” Her gentle voice threatens to bring tears to my eyes, but I blink them away as best as I can, swallowing past the lump in my throat as she continues. “You deserve to have a life, Keaton. To go out and have fun and act your age.”
“I just worry,” I admit softly.
“I know, sweetie, but you don’t need to,” she pats my hand reassuringly. “How about you just let me be the mom for a weekend, okay? Go out and have fun.”
I sigh, knowing she’s right.
“Okay,” I concede with a smile.
“Okay. It’s settled then,” she smiles, releasing my hand and drawing back to take a sip of her tea. “And if I need anything, I’ll call Sander.”
“How do you know he’s not the one who invited me?” I arch an eyebrow, lifting my cup and blowing softly before taking a drink.
“Keaton, I was not born yesterday. Give your mom a little credit.”
“What—”
“You get sideswiped by a professional race car driver, who then lends you his personal vehicle, and now you’re invited to a professional race?” She gives me a knowing look and I stare wide-eyed at her in shock.
“How do you know any of that?” I ask.
“Well, it wasn’t from my loving and oh-so-concerned daughter,” she raises her eyebrows as she looks on at me from across the table. Feeling guilty, I tuck my head down between my shoulders like a little turtle, smiling as I silently sip on my hot tea.
“Uh-huh, you just drink that tea. Sander came by the other day looking for you and we got to talking,” she explains.
“Blabbermouth,” I curse under my breath.
“Hey, at least someone felt the need to keep me informed.”
“Sorry, ma. I just didn’t want you to worry,” I shrug.
