I like that. A lot. It's enough to convince me to try this potentially embarrassing honesty thing again. "Like I can't wait until I can hear you come."
"And?"
"Like I want you inside of me."
Tom let's out an anguished groan. "You're a fast learner."
According to the mirror, I'm as red as a tomato. But he doesn't have to know that. I keep my voice confident. "Thanks."
"Better get on task, or I'll be incoherent a lot faster."
"I did another boudoir set."
"Without me?" He teases.
"They're self-portraits."
"Fuck. Show me when I'm back. Not sure I trust myself if I have them on my phone. Still have two days until I'm cleared for action."
He can't trust himself not to masturbate if he has sexy photos of me? God damn, I'm on fire. I better change the subject or I'll be the incoherent one.
"Where are you?" I ask.
"Home. My mom lives in the same house she did when she first fostered me. I have the same Nirvana and Blink 182 posters on my walls."
"Tell me about your room," I say. "I want to imagine you there."
His voice is light. "House is a three bedrooms. Nice, comfortable suburban place. My room is upstairs. It's small. Twin bed, plain black sheets and black comforter. Sad little desk I never used 'cause I barely did my homework. Walls are nothing but posters. A few other bands, then all the great George A. Romero flicks."
"Who?"
"Dawn of the Dead! The original. It's a commentary on commercial culture. The zombies flock to the mall because they're drawn to it."
"Zombies? It's a horror movie?"
"Technically. But you'd like it. A lot less scary thanLet The Right One In."
"Maybe. I get freaked out pretty easily. I mostly watch more upbeat classics.Roman Holidayis my favorite." I lie back on my bed. "When will you be back for good?"
"After Kara and Meg's graduation. Tried to rearrange our tour dates so we wouldn't be flying nonstop, but Mom threatened to change the locks if we canceled a show to see her."
"Your mom sounds badass."
"She is."
"It must be scary... whatever it is she's going through."
"Yeah."
He wants to tell me. I can hear it in his voice. He just needs a push.
I take a deep breath. "What is she going through?"
His voice softens. "She had cancer when I was in high school. Breast cancer. It might be back. She found a lump last month."
I don't breathe.
"I didn't handle it well then. I want to be better this time. Be strong for her."
