This Time, Last Year

Oh, my God. This was really happening to me. Someone was finally asking me out. A cute someone was finally asking me out. Say yes, Kay.

            “Okay. Sure. I’ll be here.”

            “Great. I can meet you here after our practice. Around eight o’clock or so. Sound good?”

            “Sure,” I nodded.

            We headed to the front doors. Jamie opened the door for me and just as we walked outside, my mom drove up. She waved to me, signaling she was ready to go. I quickly turned to Jamie and half-smiled, embarrassed to even be associated with that station wagon.

            “See ya Friday, Blondie,” he winked.

            “Okay. Bye.”

            I couldn’t get into the car fast enough. Hurry, let’s go.

My mom kissed me on the cheek, adding to the “let’s-embarrass- Kay” evening.

            The car ride home was quiet, but my mom gave every effort to inquire about the night.

            “How was the game, sweetheart?” She fumbled with the radio buttons.

            “Okay.”

            “Who won?”

            “We did.” I crossed my arms and stared out the window at the passing cars.

            “Who was that boy standing next to you?”

            “Hmmm?” I looked at her. She saw a boy?

            “That boy, the one standing next to you, when I pulled up. It looked like he was talking to you.” Moms. Why did they know everything?

            I offered no information. The “boy” she referred to would remain a secret until the moment was right. The mystery would belong only to me.