Page 6

CHAPTER SIX

Tom

“A date?” Char squealed. “That’s awesome! Now tell me exactly how he asked you.” Char hadn’t worked that day, but Tom had called her as soon as he got home.

“Honestly, he kind of caught me off guard,” Tom explained. “I was in the library this morning, studying before my Spanish class. He walked up to the carrel where I was sitting and said he had something to ask me. At first I thought I had forgotten about a study session or something.”

“I know you better than that,” Char said. “You wouldn’t miss a study session, especially since you told me it’s helping you a lot. Is that when he popped the question?”

“Yeah. He asked me if I’d like to have dinner with him Saturday night. I said yes, but now I’m wondering if maybe I should have just let him down easily,” he admitted.

“Why the hell would you do that? I mean, you like him, right?” Char asked, her voice rising in pitch.

“Yeah, I do like him, but I just know it’s not gonna last, so why even bother?” Tom’s voice broke slightly.

“Stop that right now, Tom!” Char exclaimed. “What have I told you about talking like that? I don’t wanna hear your mom’s words coming outta your mouth.”

“Sorry,” Tom said sincerely. “I know I shouldn’t say shit like that. But it’s not easy. Remember, I’ve been hearing that stuff almost all my life.”

“I know, hon.” Char’s tone changed, and Tom could hear the care in her words. “I’ve tried to be patient with you. But you know your mom is a bad influence when it comes to relationships. That alone is enough of a reason why you need to get a place of your own. I understand that your dad was a dick, but that doesn’t mean all guys are. But enough about that.” Char deftly changed the subject. “I wanna talk more about the date. So where is he taking you?”

“I dunno. We didn’t really talk about it. Just that he’s gonna pick me up around seven.”

“Okay, so you’ll need to wear something casual but nice. I don’t think he’s gonna take you anywhere too fancy.” She spoke like she was his older and wiser sister if he’d had one.

“There’s no place that fancy around here anyway,” Tom said. “And I don’t think he’d take me up to Boston on a first date.”

They continued their date discussion until they both began to yawn and agreed to chat again the following day.

The next couple of days flew by. Before he knew it, Tom was leaving his shift at the Whale to race home to change for his date. He hadn’t seen Will much at school, but he did get a text at one point just letting him know that they’d be going to The Artisan Pig in Plymouth for dinner.

His mom was in the living room in front of the TV when he got home, and he stopped to give her a quick kiss on the cheek before bounding up the stairs to his room. “No time to chat, Mom,” he said after the kiss. “I’ve only got a few minutes to shower and change.”

He quickly showered off the stink of a shift at the restaurant and changed into what he thought of as “casual but nice” clothes. He didn’t go out very often, so his choices were limited, but standing at the bathroom mirror, fixing his hair, he thought he looked presentable.

Just as he finished tying his shoes, his phone rang.

“Hey, Char,” he said. “What’s up?”

“I just wanted to wish you luck on your date tonight,” she replied. “Did you find out where you’re going?”

“Yeah. Will texted me yesterday. The Artisan Pig in Plymouth,” he told her. “You and Cee Cee have been there, right?”

“Yeah. A few times, actually. The food is excellent,” she gushed. “The dirty fries for an appetizer are really good, and the last time we were there, they still had a summer-special pizza with corn puree, summer squash, and red onions. It was heavenly. They’ve probably switched it up by now for the fall, but we’ve never been disappointed in any of the pizzas we’ve tried.”

“Good to know,” Tom said.

“So what are you wearing?” she asked.

Tom rolled his eyes, happy they weren’t on a video call. “Dark jeans and a sweater, sis . That’s okay, right?” Although they were the same age, she never ceased to act like an older sibling. He felt butterflies in his stomach and began to second-guess himself. Why had he even agreed to go on this date?

“That’s perfect. The place is really casual, and I know you look amazing,” she told him. “Now stop worrying. You’re gonna have a great time.”

“How do you do that?” Tom asked, feeling himself relax in response to his friend’s words.

“Do what?”

“It’s like you can read my mind, and you always know the right thing to say.”

“Gee, Tom, who knows you better than me?” Char chuckled. “No one, that’s who.”

“You’re right. Thank you,” he said quietly.

“Okay, I’ll let you go. Just please don’t worry. And remember, I love you.”

“Love you, too, Char.” He was so lucky to have someone like her in his life.

Tom grabbed his jacket and descended the stairs. It was still early, but he didn’t want to spend time with his mom right then, for fear of what she might say. “I’m gonna wait outside, Mom,” he told her. “Will should be here soon.”

“Okay, babe. Have a good time,” she said. “Just don’t go leading him on,” she continued as he opened the back door. “You know this can’t really go anywhere.”

Dammit! Why did she have to say that? Tom’s good mood evaporated instantly. He sat on the squat stone wall that bordered their property, trying to slow his breathing. He recalled Char’s words and replayed them over and over again in his head until he felt his peace returning. No matter what his mom said, he was going to do his best to enjoy himself tonight. Who knows, maybe Will was different. He’d stay positive and keep telling himself just that. Will was different, and this relationship could work.