Page 47 of After Hours Lectures

“But you’re seeing somebody?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“That’s it?”

“What do you mean?”

“That’s all you’re going to tell me?”

I shrugged. “It’s new.” Since we couldn’t be out in the open yet, I was hesitant to say too much and open myself up to more questions.

Unfortunately, being evasive didn’t stop my dad from continuing his interrogation. “Did you meet at school?”

That was a loaded question. I didn’t think my father, who was also a teacher, would be thrilled to learn I was dating my professor, but at least I could answer his question truthfully. “No, we met at a club.”

“Well, you look happy. I know things were a bit rough when you were here for winter break.”

“I’m definitely happy.” I could admit that much to him.

“That’s all that matters.”

We pulled up to the house and the second I walked through the door, Chase pulled me in for a hug. “We’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too,” I said before stepping back and moving over to hug Dylan and Jase.

“What’s up?” I greeted them.

“Not much,” Jase replied. “Glad to have a couple days off from practice and games. This semester is kicking my ass.”

“Midterms sucked, man,” Dylan added.

“Tell me about it,” I agreed.

“Go put your stuff in your room and then come join us out back for a beer. I’ll get the fire pit going,” Chase said.

I dragged my suitcase upstairs to my room and went to the bathroom. As I came out, Dylan peeked his head out of his room.

“Hey, got a second to talk?”

“Yeah, man. What’s up?”

I walked into his room and he closed the door behind him, which instantly made me worry something was wrong.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Uh … yeah. I’m fine.” He took a deep breath and sat on the edge of his bed. “I’m meeting Lisa for breakfast tomorrow.”

“What?” I snapped. “I thought you didn’t want to see her?”

My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my hands. Even after all this time, my mother’s behavior still had a profound effect on me. My dad, and later Chase and Jamie, made sure I always felt loved and cared for, but there was still a little boy inside of me who wondered why his mom couldn’t love him enough to try to be a better parent.

“I don’t … I mean, I didn’t, but she’s been persistent about wanting to get together.” He hung his head and fiddled with the bracelet on his wrist that matched mine. “You probably think I’m an idiot.”

I sat next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “I don’t think you’re an idiot. I don’t trust Lisa, but you gotta do what feels right for you.”

“Yeah, I feel like this is what I need for some closure, honestly.”

That made sense, and if it helped him not to carry any regret for cutting her out of his life, then I fully supported him. “Well, I’ve got your back, bro.”