A Snapshot of Dixie

14: Status Quo

DIXIE


"That dress looks so beautiful on you, Dixie Mae." Momma compliments me as she kisses both of my cheeks and pulls back looking at me oddly.

"Why do you smell like you've been hanging out in your father's whiskey cabinet?"

Thinking quick on my feet, I come up with something random. "Oh, my roommate had a bottle of perfume that smelled like it. It reminded me of Dad. I really miss him." Okay, so it's not a complete lie, but I can't exactly tell her the truth. She would bring me straight home if she knew Tucker was in my dorm room.

I still can't believe all of this is happening. After Tucker left, I wasn't sure I would ever see him again, but part of me is happy he's here.

"I see. How is the roommate? Is she clean? Friendly? Captain of the cheerleading team? I hear Yale has a great program, maybe you should—"

"Momma, we already talked about this. I want to focus on my studies and find a job before I join anything. Besides short skirts and jumping up and down at sporting events isn't exactly my thing."

"Oh, alright. Let's get going then. I promised my friend I would meet him again for dinner tonight." I give her an odd look for her shutting down the conversation so easily. Something is seriously up with her.

"Him? Who is this mysterious friend of yours and I thought you would be heading back home today?"

"Just an old friend your father and I used to be good acquaintances with. He needs some help with a business investment and since I have knowledge from running our farm, I told him I would assist. I'll be sticking around for a few days until he gets it all squared away."

"How very kind of you, Mother." She smiles and we walk to her luxurious rental vehicle.

Honestly, I feel like I've been living in a dream as far as she's concerned. She's completely okay with every little thing that I say. Something just feels off, but I think I'll enjoy her not hounding me for once. Being here means too much to me to wonder why she's suddenly changed tunes.

Spending the next several hours shopping for some last minute things, I find it hard to take my thoughts away from Tucker. Thinking about his struggle with writing a new song sparks an idea as I stroll past a costume shop in the New Haven Mall.

Picking out a few items as my mother chats on her phone outside the shop, I pay for them and greet her.

"Are we doing lunch or do you need to be somewhere?" I ask, feeling like she's been highly distracted during this excursion.

"Yes, we can have lunch. I saw this enticing Mediterranean place called Olea we should check out. Did we get everything you needed?"

"Yes, I think so." I answer, looking down at the several bags in my hands.

"Great! There's just one more stop we need to make and then we can head to the restaurant."

"Okay."

Following Momma out to her rental car, I buckle up and patiently wait to see where we're headed next.

Driving for about twenty minutes, she pulls into a car dealership and parks the car.

"What are we doing here, Momma?"

"Hopefully, finding you a new vehicle."

"What? Momma, I told you I don't want you to get me anything special. Once I get on my feet, and find a job I can save for one."