A Good Girl

by Jenny Siegal

  “Honey, I’ve missed you. I’m glad you two finally got together.” She levels a ‘told you so’ look in my direction. Yeah, everyone seems to be saying 'I told you so'. I get it.

  “So, where is Lincoln?” I ask to steer her attention away from me. It works and her face immediately brightens as she leads us into the kitchen. Lincoln is leaning against the counter, and he isn’t what I expected at all. For a start, he is older than my mom. She usually goes for younger men, much younger. There is a slight peppering of gray through the sides of his otherwise dark hair. It gives him a George Clooney look. He is tall and handsome, for an older man, and well dressed. From his clothes, I’m guessing he’s probably rich and although I’m sure my mom loves him, the money will be an added bonus.

  Walking forward, he reaches out to shake my hand, and I’m relieved that he doesn't try to hug me—it wouldn’t feel right.

  “Charlotte, I’m glad to finally meet you. Your mom talks about you all the time,” he says with a big smile. I arch my eyebrows at her, Charlotte, hmm. My suspicions are confirmed when she doesn’t meet my eye but finds something on the wall behind me very interesting. Obviously, she thinks Charlotte suits me better.

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Lincoln. This is my boyfriend, Dominic.” I introduce them, and he shakes Dominic’s hand warmly.

  Mom picks up a glass of sparkling water and takes a nervous sip. This is new, I’ve never seen her drink anything that wasn’t loaded with sugar or alcohol.

  “How was your drive?” Lincoln inquires politely

  “Not bad, the traffic was light and we made good time. We're staying with friends tonight in Daytona Beach.”

  “It's nice there; I've played some of the golf courses.”

  “Come and sit down, I've made dinner.” Mom turns to the kitchen table that has been set, complete with napkins and a candle. This is the first time we've used it; normally it was piled high with make-up, hair stuff, stacks of bills, and unopened letters. In fact, when I look around and take in my surroundings properly, I can see that the whole kitchen has been decluttered. My eyes must bug out because my mom gives a little laugh.

  “You look surprised. I can cook, you know.”

  “Can you? I don't remember you ever cooking before.”

  “Well, you were too fussy, so I gave up. Your granddad was here most of the time so he took over the cooking.” A sad smile flits across her face, and it's the first time I've heard her talk about him so fondly.

  “A lot of things have changed since you've been gone.”

  It certainly looks that way.

  The food is surprisingly good, and I keep quiet for most of the meal, watching my mom and Lincoln instead. He seems good for her and obviously adores her. I've never seen her like this with anyone; she’s glowing and looks so happy. He can’t take his eyes off her and they are always touching and giving each other little kisses. It’s gross and makes me want to gag, but it's sweet in a weird way.

  “I know we don’t have long, but I wanted to talk to you about the wedding.” Mom launches into it as soon as she's finished her food. I manage to stifle a groan, but Lincoln just smiles wider at her. He's got it bad.

  “It's at the country club and -”

  “The country club?” I ask shocked that she would have it there. I didn’t think it was her scene.

  “Yes, Lincoln is a member,” she explains patiently, her smile plastered on her face.

  “Okay, who’ll be there?” My mom doesn’t have a huge circle of friends, and we don’t have any family, it is just Mom and me.

  “Lincoln’s friends and business colleagues.” She waves her hand at me as my heart sinks. This going to be a big wedding with lots of people I don’t know, and I have to be a bridesmaid. This is going to be torture. I hide my expression and keep eating so I don't have to say anything.

  “There is so much to organize and of course with me moving.” She starts rattling off everything she has to do. My shoulders tense and my grip tightens on my glass as I take a drink, hoping I won't choke on it. Except for Dominic, no one has noticed that I have gone quiet and am at risk of crushing my glass between my fingers. He places a hand on my knee under the table and squeezes gently; the contact from him helps me stay calm.

  “You’re moving.” I finally trust myself to speak. Mom stops talking and turns to look at me like I’ve grown two heads.

  “Of course, I’m moving. You can’t expect us to live here.”

  “But, this is our home.” I sound pathetic, like a little child, but I didn’t even think about her moving. I grew up in this house; it is full of memories, good and bad. No doubt, Lincoln has a big, beautiful house somewhere that she will gladly move into. It never occurred to me that she would actually meet someone who could take care of her. I just assumed he would be a loser who would mooch off her and move in here.

  “Well, you’re away at college most of the year, but you can stay with us when you come back for the holidays.” She smiles, trying to soften the blow, but it doesn't make me feel any less upset. It won’t be my home, it will be his, and I’ll just feel like a visitor.

  Although I appreciate that they want me to stay with them, I’ve already decided I won't be going there for the holidays—or ever. As much as I love my mom, she's made a life for herself now that I'm away. It's time I truly stood on my own two feet; I can work this out for myself. Dominic watches me closely, and a warm feeling unravels in my stomach when I see the concern in his eyes.

  “There is plenty of room at my house. My daughter doesn’t live there anymore. She is married and has her own house, but there is plenty of space. You can have your pick.” Lincoln is trying to be considerate, and I like him even more for that. Surely, he doesn’t want his new wife’s grown-up daughter there, especially just after they get married.

  “Thank you,” I mumble, and he gives me a sympathetic smile. Dominic's hand moves up, feeling for mine, and our fingers intertwine.

  “Will you be back before the wedding?” I experience a twinge of guilt when I hear the hope in her voice, but I don’t think I will be. Wedding planning isn’t really my thing, and I don’t think I could handle any more surprises.

  “I’ll try. It depends on how much work and studying I’ve got.” I try to sound disappointed and not like a petulant child.

  “Well, if you can't manage, I understand.” The disappointment in her voice makes me feel worse and an awkward silence follows.

  “My daughter is looking forward to meeting you, and of course, you’ll meet my son, too. I think he was in school with you.” Lincoln smiles at me. Wait, did he just say he was in school with me? Shit. So, it is more than likely he knows exactly who I am and my reputation. None of the people I went to school with were particularly nice, just my luck I end up getting one of them for a stepbrother. This just gets worse and worse.

  “Great, I look forward to it.” I try to inject some enthusiasm into my voice. I didn’t bargain on getting a brother and sister at this age, I’d always quite liked being an only child.

  Maybe because it was just Mom, Granddad, and me—we didn’t need anyone else.

  Dinner passes without any more bombshells, but I can’t help the feeling that this might be the last time I’m back here.

  “I just want to grab a few things before we go.” Before anyone can offer to help, I run up to my room and close the door behind me. I want a few minutes on my own to gather up anything with sentimental value to take with me. There is a bag in the closet; I pull it out and start to pack the things I want.

  I place some framed photographs and books in the bottom. Now that I've told Dominic everything, I pull out some clothes that are more Charlie than Charlotte. As I stuff it all into my bag, without bothering to fold anything, my mom comes in and sits on the end of my bed.

  “I'm glad you've got Dominic. You seem much happier.”

  “I am.” I give her a shy smile and sit down on the bed next to her.

  “I was worried about you when you le
ft.” She takes in my arched eyebrow and laughs. “I know I wasn’t very good at showing it but I was. After Dad had died, you seemed lost. I know it hit you hard and I wasn't there for you.”

  “Mom -”

  She holds up her hand. “Let me finish. You were so close to him. It was selfish of me, but I felt like you didn't need me. Not that it absolved me of my responsibility, but I'm sorry I wasn't a better role model.”

  “Mom, please don't. It’s okay.” A lump has formed in my throat. It is too painful to talk about my granddad or her failings as a mother. I didn’t turn out that bad. My granddad was always there for me, and I knew she loved me. It isn't fair to her to take all the blame for my behavior.

  “As long as you and Lincoln are happy, that's all that matters.” I reach down and grasp her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

  “I am. It was because of him that I agreed to see a counselor, and I feel much better for it.”

  It isn't my place to ask what they talk about; she'll tell me if she wants me to know. I'm already starting to feel either a little uncomfortable or a little emotional—I'm not sure which. This is enough mother-daughter bonding for me to handle in one evening; next thing I know, she'll be hugging me. “Good, I'm glad.”

  She leans over and kisses my cheek. “You're a good girl, Charlie.” I give a little snort of laughter. “Well, you are now,” she adds and stands up, pulling me off the bed.

  “Come on, Dominic is waiting for you. He is very good looking, you know.”

  “Yeah, he is, isn't he?” I give her a sly smile and push her gently out the door.

  Before I close the door behind me, I turn to give it one last look, feeling sad that this won't be my home anymore.

  Dominic and Lincoln are drinking coffee in the kitchen when we walk through arm in arm.

  “Are you ready?” Dominic asks reaching out to take the heavy bag out my hand.

  “Yeah, I’ve got everything I need.”

  Turning to Lincoln, I say, “Sorry it's been such a short visit, but it was nice to meet you. Take care of my mom.” I smile at him; he certainly has his hands full with her. He chuckles warmly as he looks over at her adoringly, his eyes light up when she smiles back at them. Yeah, he's got it bad, but then so has she because she's looking at him in exactly the same way.

  “I will, don't you worry. It was nice to meet you both.” He reaches out and shakes Dominic’s hand before giving me a quick hug. Despite my reservations, I’ll admit I'm glad she has found someone who will love her and look after her. The initial hurt that she didn't tell me about Lincoln subsides. It’s a lot to take in all at once, but I can’t really complain about her moving considering I don’t live there anymore.

  We take turns hugging and say good-bye. I'm not sure when we turned into such huggers. I blame Iris. Dominic and I finally climb into his truck and reverse down the driveway while my mom and Lincoln stand waving at us like smiling lunatics.

  • • •

  Dominic pulls into the next gas station to fill up for the drive back to Maddie’s. I follow him to get some candy, developing a sudden urge for fruit Mentos. As we walk back to the truck, I am too busy looking into his eyes and laughing at something he is saying that I don't notice the guy approaching us. When he draws level with us he stops, a sneer on his face as he looks at me.

  “Hey, Charlie, how’s it going?” His eyes run over my body, and I can’t help the shiver of revulsion that involuntarily passes through me in the way he is looking at me, as if I’m standing there butt naked. Even more annoying is that he’s looking at me like this with Dominic standing right next to me.

  “Hey, Tony. Great, and you?” I try to move away, but he doesn't take the hint and carries on talking.

  “I thought it was you. What brings you back? I thought you’d left to go to college somewhere?” He continues to stare, and I grow more and more uncomfortable.

  “Yeah, I’m just back to visit my mom,” I explain as Dominic shifts beside me. He sizes Tony up with barely concealed contempt in his eyes and his mouth twisted into a snarl.

  “Um, this is my boyfriend, Dominic. Dominic, this is Tony. We went to high school together,” I introduce them awkwardly.

  Dominic does the guy nod thing, and Tony does it back. What in the hell is Tony playing at? I went out of my way to avoid him at school because he was a total creep.

  “Anyway, we’d better be getting back.” I start to move away, but Tony isn’t letting us go that easily.

  His eyes glint with malice. “Is she still as wild?”

  I groan loudly and my head drops forward. Here it comes. Dominic turns to him, jaw clenched and the grip on my shoulder tightens.

  “Do you know what a slut your girlfriend was? Or how bad her reputation was? Just ask the football team,” he sneers and all color drains from my face. Dominic freezes beside me, his fingers now digging painfully into my shoulder.

  But something in his words makes my scalp prickle. My head snaps up to look at his smug face. “Have you been sending me things?” Dominic looks down at me confused while Tony just looks as dumb as he always has.

  “Like what?” he laughs.

  “Just answer the fucking question. Have you sent me anything?” I shout at him, a tinge of hysteria creeping into my voice.

  “No.” He snorts. “Why would I waste my time on a slut like you?” His words are a punch to the gut. I suck in a breath and grow warm as the rage builds inside me. My hands ball into fists and I move to step forward, but Dominic is faster, pushing me gently behind him. I catch the fire in his eyes as he stands his ground by glaring at Tony, who wilts slightly under Dominic's threatening stare.

  “That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about. I don’t care what she was like in high school; she’s mine now. I bet you’re probably one of the guys she didn’t sleep with and you’re jealous.” His voice is ice cold as he leans toward Tony menacingly.

  “Oh, and just so you know…she’s still as wild, in bed anyway. If I see you looking at her like that again, I’ll lay you on your fucking ass. Got that?”

  Tony swallows hard and nods his understanding before turning and walking away. Dominic watches him go before putting his arm around me and marching back to his truck.

  The engine roars to life and Dominic pulls out of the gas station with the wheels squealing. His knuckles grow white from gripping the steering wheel, his brow knitted tightly together. The atmosphere is tense, and I feel really awkward because I don’t know what to say to make it better. I go with saying nothing. He’ll talk to me when he’s ready. But I watch him clench and unclench his jaw, and I hate that it’s my fault he is so angry. When I reach out and cover his hand that is on the shift with mine, he gives me a tight smile but doesn’t take his eyes off the road.

  “I am sorry about what happened back there. You probably think I’m more trouble than I’m worth.” I give a nervous laugh, anything to break the tense silence filling the truck.

  “Do you think that what that jerk said bothers me? I was more pissed off at the way he was looking at you.” He runs his hand over his face, huffing out a sigh as he does. “He was trying to cause trouble. Don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easily.” He smiles now, and I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Besides, I’m sure it wasn’t the whole football team.” He flashes me a worried look and doesn't look entirely sure of himself.

  I shrug. “No, not the whole football team. There were a lot of blonds on the team.” I wink at him and thankfully the corners of his mouth curve upwards slightly. It's a start.

  After a few more miles of driving in silence, he asks, “Why did you ask if he was sending you things?”

  Idiot that I am, I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth, but what Tony said jarred something in me. I shift in my seat and angle my body toward him.

  “A few weeks ago I got a letter. It was the Monday after our date.” I see him grimace, not wanting a reminder of his ex-girlfriend. “It was odd because my mail comes to my mom’s. I opened
it and—” I take a breath, not sure why this is so hard to tell him. “And there was a note and a photograph.” I chance a glance in his direction, but he isn’t giving anything away.

  “What did it say?” The tightness in his voice gives away his growing anger; he already has his suspicions.

  I take a steadying breath. “Does your boyfriend know what a slut you are?” My eyes drop to my hands, and I twist my watch around my wrist before bringing my eyes up to meet him.

  “The photo was worse,” I manage to whisper.

  “Why didn't you say anything?”

  “Because you weren't my boyfriend at the time.”

  His jaw tightens. “Do you have any idea who sent it?” I shake my head while he stares straight ahead looking into the darkness.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper, and he turns to look at me, his expression softening slightly.

  “Don’t be; it’s not your fault. You can show me it, and we can figure it out.” Fear claws at my chest. I don’t want him to see the photo, to see what I was like.

  “I’ll always look after you. Nothing will happen to us.” His words go a little way in reassuring me.

  My initial relief is short lived when he’s quiet for the rest of the journey back to Maddie’s. Even though I keep chancing worried glances in his direction, he still doesn't speak to me. After an hour, I give up trying to figure out what's wrong and leave him to his brooding. I have other things to worry about. Namely, what am I going to do about Mom moving? There is no way I'm going to stay with them. I just need to come up with a plan.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A line of cars snake up the driveway outside Maddie's, and it looks like we're the last to arrive. My cramped muscles need a good stretch, and I extend my legs out in front of me to ease the stiffness. The engine has barely shut off before Dominic jumps out of the truck, slamming the door behind him with all his strength. I take a deep ‘keep calm’ breath and slowly push open the heavy door. Dominic’s bad mood is beginning to piss me off, and I take my time climbing down from the truck, deliberately pushing the door shut quietly.