Page 95 of The Disasters of Dating
I smirk. “Wish I could say the same.”
“Poppy Alice Ashcombe,” my mom warns. So maybe my manners aren’t completely present.
I look at her, folding my arms. “If we’re using full names, then, Michelle Marie Hayes Ashcombe?”
The guy glances at my mom and then turns his smile back to me.
I want to hate this guy, but his smile makes it hard. “I’m Adam West.”
I let out a snort. “You’re Batman?”
He gives a little chuckle. “No. Although when I was younger, I seriously considered it as an occupation.”
My mom scrambles to his side and releases a huge sigh. “Oh, Pops. This wasn’t the way I wanted this to go down.”
I raise my brows. “Didn’t wantwhatto go down, Mom?” I motion between the two of them. “What exactly is this?”
My mom licks her lips, and I notice as she slyly reaches over and grabs Mr. West’s hand. “Adam and I are…dating.”
I flinch, and then my eyes narrow. “So he is the food drive and the extra book club.” It isn’t a question. Mr. West’s presence answers so many questions, I’m having a hard time deciding if I’m more angry or relieved.
My mom nods guiltily. “But I am starting a food drive.” She looks ather feet. “I thought it was the least I could do. I even called Margo Conway this morning to get her help.”
“After all this, you’re dragging that poor woman into your guilt food drive?” I catch a glimpse of Keaton in the hallway. I march over and grab his hand, dragging him into the room. “Yeah?” I say in challenge. “This is Keaton, andwe’redating.” I’m not sure why I make it sound like this is a date-off. But I will admit that holding Keaton’s hand right now is giving me a much-needed strength.
My mom’s eyes dart between Keaton and me.
Adam—er, Mr. West—is the first to react. “Hey, Keaton. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry it wasn’t under less…” He pauses as if choosing his words carefully. “Tense circumstances.”
Keaton shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, too.” He looks down at me. “Poppy, why don’t you go change, and we’ll get out of here so they can enjoy their evening.” He gives me an awkward smile. “I think ice cream is in order. Lots of ice cream.”
I swallow. I know he’s right, but I can’t make myself move. I release a terse breath. My mom and I have things to say to each other, but now isn’t the time. It’s not fair to Mr. West, and it’s definitely not fair to Keaton. I shouldn’t have dragged him into this. Literally or figuratively. I likely need to digest all of this before I talk/rage at her. How could she date someone? And why did she keep it a secret? Hasn’t she always told us kids that if you have to do something in secret, it means you probably shouldn’t be doing it? Is my whole teenage upbringing based on a falsehood?
I take a step back. “Yeah, that’s probably advisable.”
I move toward the hall leading to my bedroom, leaving Keaton in the family room to talk to my mom and Mr. West. Again, I probably should not have done that either. But right now, I need to change into something ‘Poppy’ and get out of here.
I get to my room and close the door behind me. I pull out my phone and pull up my sibling text group. Yes, I realize this goes against my quick exit strategy. But I can’t process this by myself.
Oh. My. Heck. I just walked in on Mom and her boyfriend. They were on the couch in the dark. I don’t want to think about what they were doing!
Yes, I said boyfriend... They are ‘dating’.
While I wait for Brody and Sadie to answer, I go to my closet and pull out my most comfortable boho skirt and shirt. I need the securitythat my flowy clothes give me. But before I slip them on, I walk over to my dresser and pull out my amber and Apache Tears necklace. I need the grounding, nurturing, grief healing, and warmth that it gives. I slip it over my head, and as the cool stones hit my skin, I reach up and rub my thumb across them. I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
In theory, I knew this day would happen. I mean, it’s been twelve years. My mom can’t be alone forever. And I’m sure my dad would want her to be happy. But why did she not tell us?
I quickly change my clothes, throwing the jeans and cross-over top onto my bed. I’ll take them over to Paisleigh’s tomorrow.
Taking a cleansing breath and giving my stones another rub, I open my door and turn off the light. I walk slowly down the hall, hearing Keaton talking with my mom and Mr. West. For only knowing each other for two weeks, we’ve had some seriously terrible dates. Only two, I guess, but that isn’t a great average. We’re talking only 33.3 percent. Which leaves me, well…concerned. I can’t help thinking that I was right about the universe not wanting us together.
I step into the family room. It’s fully lit now. Keaton is sitting on the chair, and my mom and Mr. West are sitting—very close—on the couch. I try to push down the tightness in my chest.
“Sorry for taking so long, Keaton.” I barely glance over at my mom. I just can’t with her right now. “You ready?”
With wide eyes, he nods. “Yep.” He stands up and runs his hands down his thighs. “It was great meeting you both.”
My mom and Mr. West nod. “You too, Keaton. I hope to see you around.” My mom says.
