Page 39 of Until Now
I’m outgunned, but it’s not a losing battle. My dog will not have more than the occasional human treat. Otherwise, we will have a Tinkerbelle on our hands, and I lose whatever credibility I have. Just because my men argue the point does not mean I’m changing behaviors. And neither will my child.
“Let’s talk about next weekend,” I say, putting a scoop of quinoa salad on my plate.
“I can’t believe we don’t get to go,” Hunter says with a hint of dejection.
“No. It’s an adults-only trip. Your mother told you, I know,” Maxen says, taking the lead.
“But why? We want to meet the players too. Especially Atticus,” Bing adds.
I jump into the conversation. “Listen, we told you there will be a game in the future, should the Mavericks win the playoffs. Wouldn’t you rather be at a World Series game?”
“No. We want to go to this one,” Bing says, looking directly into my eyes.
“We were invited by July’s parents, who are good friends of the Swift family. We did not make the guest list.”
Hunter takes a huge bite of his burger then immediately begins a soliloquy.
“And you’re all going to be in an RV, having an awesome road trip. It’s going to be fun, and you get to be in one of those suites with the catcher’s family. Man, it isn’t fair. Bing and I are baseball fans too. I think you may be stunting our growth. We may never get over this.”
Bing looks at his friend with surprise. This isn’t Hunter’s usual style. It sounds like my child penned the words. I think my Bing is having a great influence over his new friend. He’s become more expressive and comfortable talking with adults. Maxen and I catch each other’s eye and chuckle.
“I’m sorry to wound you two so deeply,” Maxen says. “But I predict you’ll get over it when you have the run of my sister’s house and refrigerator. Plus, you have our promise to take you to a World Series game in a month. Your suffering will have an end date.”
Hunter looks at Bing. “Hey, I gave it my best shot.”
“Besides, if you went, all the kids would have to go. James and Dean, the baby. It’s an adult weekend, and that’s the end of the discussion.”
“Can we use the pool at Wes’?” Bing asks.
I give him a pointed look. “Absolutely not. They aren’t going to be there, and they’ll be no adult supervision. You areNOTto go swimming. You hear me?”
Four shoulders sink.
“This is going to be boring. What are we going to do for fun?” Bing asks.
“Let’s see. You have band practice on Saturday, Kim said she’s going to treat you to a movie Sunday, and between those things, you have your imagination. Use it to entertain yourselves! My gosh, boys, you’re thirteen years old, almost fourteen. I don’t think you need your parents to plan your every move.”
“If you’re smart, you’ll invite a few girls to see the movie with you. I’ll give you the money for the tickets and popcorn.”
I wish Maxen would have passed that by me first, but when I see the smiles on Bing and Hunter’s faces, I can’t deny it was inspired.
“And don’t eat like you’re starving. Share the popcorn and candy. And close your mouths when you chew. Girls don’t like boys who eat like slobs,” Maxen adds.
“Just make sure you act responsibly and don’t try any funny stuff. These girls are very young. In fact, their parents may not even agree that they go,” I add.
Bing and Hunter’s eyes look to Maxen in some sort of silent questioning. It’s obviously a man thing, and they need his wisdom on the subject.
“Maybe you could just meet them in front of the theater. You know, friends meeting friends. But you pay. Make sure you do that. It’s the right thing for a man to do when he invites a girl.”
The boys look at me but say nothing. I’m not sure they are actually breathing.
“Okay. You can do that, but don’t make me regret my decision.”
As smiles light their faces, I’m reminded how much like my mother I sound. Maxen reaches out and takes my hand in a silent show of solidarity.
