’Cause standing like this was weird.
“Of course.” The words were technicallypolite, but the look on her face was still combative.
As she gestured toward the living room, sheheld back and let us go first. When Porter passed her, she glared at me,mouthing almost inaudibly,He’s old enough to be your father.
Technically, but I hadn’t really thoughtabout it until her call.
When I just shrugged, she followed us inand sat down at a chair near the couch which she left for us. I knew it wastime for the inquisition when she forced a smile. “You’ll have to forgive me ifI’m surprised at your age difference.”
She glanced back and forth between us. “Anda man? I was expecting a young woman. You really should have said something,Landon.”
Leaning back against the couch, I snorted.“Really? When would I have done that? When you were screaming at me on thephone?”
She scoffed. “You had plenty of time totell me about your new friend.”
I rolled my eyes again, not bothering tolook apologetic because that would only make things worse. I had to look at thevery least blank or she would see it as a sign that I was in the wrong. “I amallowed privacy and to do things in my own time. You didn’t want to listen.”
Her lips tightened, and she ignored thepoints I’d obviously scored. “Landon, will you go look at the light in mybathroom? It’s flickering. I’ll keep your friend company.”
Not subtle at all.
“Not tonight. I don’t have any of my toolswith me. If it’s still having problems next week, I’ll look at it then.” Weboth knew there was nothing wrong with the light, and I wasn’t going to giveher a chance to get Porter alone and try to chase him off.
“What did you make for dinner?” Changingthe subject didn’t seem to help the situation, but luckily Laura came in at theperfect time.
She was carrying several bags and lookedperfectly surprised to see us sitting in the living room. “Mom, you told methey wouldn’t be here for another half-hour at least. I’m sorry. Did I misunderstand?”
She didn’t bother waiting for a response,she just came over and set the bags down on the coffee table. “I’m thismonster’s sister, Laura. It’s nice to meet you.”
Thankfully, Porter didn’t miss a beat. Hesmiled politely and shook her hand as though he’d never seen her, then pointedto the groceries. “It’s nice to meet you. Please let us help with these.”
Yes, a break would be wonderful.
Not bothering to say anything, I stood and liftedone of the bags as Porter grabbed the other. As we took them into the kitchen,I heard my mother poke at Laura. “You don’t seem surprised. Did you know he wasdating someone my age? That’s some kind of daddy issue right there.”
Rolling my eyes as Porter tried not tolaugh, we set the bags down on the table and continued to listen to theconversation that wasn’t as quiet as either woman seemed to think.
“You’re being ridiculous. He’s not that oldand really, it’s not my business who he dates.” Laura must have gestured ordone something because it was quiet for a few seconds. “It’s not your businesseither. Landon is happy, and that’s what matters.”
“How do you know he’s happy? He was happywith Natalie. This dating older men thing has to be a phase.”
Now it sounded like she thought I was fiveand going through a difficult patch.
I glanced over at Porter to see him justgrinning. Whispering, I stepped closer. “Why are you enjoying this insanity?”
His grin got even wider. “I’ve never beenthe bad influence in any relationship. Even when I was a kid, I was always thegood influence other parents liked. This is wonderfully entertaining.”
Great. I was surrounded by insanity on allsides. It was going to be a long night.
****
“That could’ve gone worse.” Flopping back in theseat, I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath.
Porter seemed to agree. “She even saidshe’d see me later as we left, so yes, I think we made progress. Oh, and sheappreciated that I noticed the theme names you all have. Little House.” Hesmiled. “I think that went well.”
And Porter hadn’t even called me sport oranything.
I was definitely counting it as a win.
