57. Plans

“Do we have any plans for Thanksgiving?”

“Oh, I meant to talk to you about that.”

I have a feeling I already know what Mom is going to tell me.

It’s Tuesday afternoon, and she’s off work tonight, and we’re having some frozen dinners while watching television.

“I’m going to have to work half the day. But not too long. I figured we could do a Thanksgiving dinner that night.”

“Sure,” I say.

Maybe this is bad, but I’m glad she’s working.

It helps with the idea I have.

I finish up the mystery Mexican dish on my plate and go upstairs to email Jocelyn.

She told me at school her step-uncle would be working tonight.

I clean up, and Mom asks what my rush is.

“Just want to go online for a while.”

She nods, uninterested, picking at her meal and sipping at another glass of wine.

WHAT WOULD YOU THINK OF HAVING THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MY HOUSE?

I wait for a while to see her response. It comes after a few minutes.

WHAT TIME?

LUNCH TIME?

LET ME SEE. I’LL HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOME EXCUSE.

MAKE UP ONE. ANY ONE.

DINNER WITH YOU AND YOUR MOM?

NOPE, MY MOM’S WORKING.

There is another pause.

OKAY.

OKAY WHAT?

I’LL FIND AN EXCUSE.

I can’t help but smile.