Who's the One?

Chapter 6

Mom works from home, so on this fine Thursday morning she wakes me so we can go to the grocery store. "It'll be fun" she says.

It could be nice to get out, get some fresh air, see other faces. I get ready as quickly as possible. When I open my door I'm presented with a surprise.

"Hey Lil."

"Hey Steve. You and Doug going out today?"

"Nah. I don't think so. I'm staying here a few days while my parents are out of town. I'd stay home but it's just me, I'd die of boredom."

"Oh, well cool. So you'll be here the whole time? Sleeping over and all?"

"Yup." He smiles widely.

"Cool. Well I got to go. I'm going to the store with my mom."

"Alright. See you later."

"Yeah guess so." I crutch to the car where my mom is waiting. It's been about a minute of driving. "Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Why didn't anyone tell me that Steve was staying with us for a few days?"

"It's more than a few days, I thought Doug told you."

"How long will he be here?"

"About two weeks. I think that's what his mother said."

"What?" That's way more than a few days.

"Why does it matter, Hun?"

"It doesn't. Just curious, I guess."

"Okay, remember we need cheese, tomatoes, pasta and croutons."

"Yeah, okay." Two weeks? Steve's staying with us for two weeks?

"Maybe some wine too."

"Sure, Ma." We're getting closer to the store, but I need to talk to my mom. "Mom can we talk? Like, girl to girl. Not mom and daughter."

"Alright." She glances at me, a curious look on her face.

"I talked on the phone with Dylan the day I got home. We kind of talked about the lingering feelings we have for each other."

"Oh? How'd that go?"

"Fine. Not that weird."

"What's going to happen with the two of you?"

"I have not one clue."

"I wouldn't object if you reunited." She parks the car.

"I know, and Dad really likes him."

"So, what's stopping you? Are you waiting on him to ask?"

"No. I don't know."

"Does it have anything to do with Steve?"

"What?" I'm shocked, does my mom see something going on? "No. Why would you think that?"

"He's around a lot. Let's face it, the boy is not ugly."

"Oh God, Mom!"

"It's true, his stature, his eyes, the way he carries himself."

"Sounds like you've got a crush Mom." I laugh.

"That's ridiculous."

"Even if I did like Steve, nothing could ever happen."

"And why not?"

"He's Doug's age, and his best friend. Doug wouldn't let it happen."

"If your brother really loves you and Steve, he wouldn't get in the way."