Page 23 of Three Not-So-Little Words (The Lawson’s #3)

twenty-three

Family Drama

Ronnie

I walk back inside after a quick make out session with Drew.

Eve says, “Was that your boyfriend?”

“What? No.”

“Then, who was he?”

“He’s my current orgasm provider, and I had to relieve him of his duties for the evening, so I suggest you get to talking.”

She goes to open her mouth, but I say, “Actually, hold that thought.”

A few minutes later, I join her on the couch and hand her a mug of hot chocolate.

“Aww, thanks.”

“Don’t thank me. I just needed a vessel to hold my Kahlua. Now, why don’t you tell me why your mom thought you were at Amanda’s?”

“Well, that’s where I told her I was…”

“Yeah, Eve, I got that part. I was a teenager once too. Why did you lie?"

“Because I knew she wouldn’t want me going.”

After a long sip of my drink, I say, “Alright, Eve. Honey, you have to get the point here. Tell me everything but act like you’re on double speed.”

“Well, there’s this guy.”

Of course there is.

“And Mom doesn’t like him.”

“Why doesn’t she like him?” I ask.

She avoids my gaze. “Uhm, I’m not sure.”

“Eve.” I stretch out her name. “Once again, cut the bullshit.”

“Okay, his name is Mikey, and he’s a senior.”

My hand goes up again. “A senior? You’re a freshman.”

“You sound like Mom.”

My brow furrows. “You’re right. My bad. Continue.”

“Mom met him once and was totally rude to him. She said he was a bad influence just because he has a few tattoos and a tongue ring. She told me I wasn’t allowed to see him anymore, so I’ve been seeing him behind her back.”

“And that’s where you went tonight?” I ask, trying to move this show along a little.

“Kind of. I was with Amanda, but Mikey told us about this party he was having, so we decided to go. Everything was fine for a while, and we were having fun. Then, he wanted to show me his bedroom…”

My stomach drops while I wait for her to continue.

“We started making out and fooling around a little, but when he wanted to go all the way, I stopped him.”

Oh, thank God.

“He got super mad and told me we were over. I locked myself in the bathroom for a while because I was crying so hard. When I finally came out, I saw Amanda making out with Mikey, and then, he led her into his room.”

I exhale a heavy sigh. “Wow. That’s a lot to unpack. Why didn’t you go home and tell your mom all of this?”

“Dude, she would be so mad. I lied to her, and I went and saw Mikey.”

“But don’t you guys have that whole mother-daughter bond thing?” I ask.

“We do. But lately, she doesn’t seem to understand anything about me. It’s like she doesn’t remember what it’s like to be a teenager. She’s not cool like you.”

I narrow my eyes on her. “Don’t be a kiss-ass.”

“Saw right through that one, huh?”

“Eve, I wrote the book on that shit.”

“Right.”

“Let me start by saying I’m proud of you for not doing something you weren’t ready for.”

She rolls her eyes. “Are you going to tell me that I should wait to find someone that I’m in love with?”

I chuckle. “No, that’s not really my style.”

I feel like that should have some sort of follow-up statement. “I’m not saying you need to save yourself until marriage or anything. But I do think it’s important that you wait to do it with someone you at least feel comfortable with. And I assume you didn’t feel comfortable with Mikey.”

“Not really. He’s been with a lot of girls.”

“How many is a lot?” I ask. “You know what? I don’t think I want to know. Look Eve, I’ve been with my fair share of guys. But one thing I’ve learned is how to walk away when something doesn’t feel right. You don’t want to get put in a bad situation.”

“I just feel so stupid. I thought he really liked me.”

I put my hand on her knee. “I’m going to tell you one very important fact of life. Teenage boys only have one thing on their minds. And it kind of turns them into little demons. But you don’t have to fall for their bullshit until you’re ready.”

“Aunt Ronnie, how old were you when you first did it?”

Another big drink of boozy hot chocolate.

“We aren’t talking about me here, young lady.”

“Really?”

“I was young, but it was with my boyfriend who I’d been with for a while.”

“I thought you didn’t have boyfriends.”

Do kids remember everything and use it against you?

“Back then, I did. But enough about me. I think you need to forget about Mikey. And while you’re at it, forget about Amanda. She sounds like a super shitty friend.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to get that now.”

I scoot to the middle of the couch and put my arm around her. “Being a teenager kind of sucks. But I promise that it gets better. Not all guys are assholes.”

“What about that guy who was here earlier? Is he an asshole?”

“Drew?” I ask. “No, I don’t think he’s an asshole.”

“So, what’s wrong with him being your boyfriend?”

“I think if I were ready to settle down, he’d be a great boyfriend,” I answer honestly. I don’t know Drew super well, but I can usually get a good read on people, and he seems like a good guy.

I continue, “I’m sure I’d be the one who would end up hurting him.”

We both sip on our drinks before Eve asks, “So, is my mom coming to get me? I’m surprised she hasn’t busted through the door yet.”

“I bought you tonight, but tomorrow, you’re going to have to face the music.”

“How mad do you think she’s going to be?”

“Probably pretty pissed. But you need to apologize, admit you were wrong, and take your punishment. It’s going to be much easier than arguing with her about why you did it.”

“Thanks for letting me stay.”

“Anytime, sweets. But next time, call first.”

The following morning, I’m up bright and early in anticipation of my sister showing up. I’m barely on my first cup of coffee when she’s banging on the door.

I open it, and Michelle comes blowing in like a hurricane. A short, feisty hurricane.

“Where is she?”

“She’s still sleeping.”

“Not for long.” She blows past me, but I grab her arm to stop her.

“Can you just hold on a minute?”

“I know that you are not telling me how to parent my kid?”

“I’m not telling you how to parent. I just thought maybe you’d like to know what happened before you go in guns blazing.”

Her face goes red. “I know what happened! She lied to me about where she was!”

“Yes,” I say. “That’s true. But she also said no when a boy tried to pressure her into something she wasn’t ready for.”

“What?” Her eyes bulge out of her head. “Was it Mikey?”

“Well…”

“I knew that kid was a sick little fucker. I’m going to rip all those tattoos off of his creepy little body.”

“Okay, calm down. Let’s talk before you go to jail.”

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. Tell me everything.”

I start yapping, hoping to get to the point. So, I can get these people out of my house.

I’m really missing my orgasm provider right about now.