****
We pull in at my house about mid-afternoon, and mom ran out to give me a big hug. I felt my cheeks burn at mom's P.D.A. in front of Tina and Nancy, i suffer through it knowing that she's missed her only son.
"My word!" She exclaimed after pulling away from me, and squeezing my arms. "You've been working out." She looked surprised.
I introduce everyone to each other, ignoring her compliment.
"Oh, Nick, your girlfriend is so cute!" Mom exclaims next, and my cheeks went even redder.
"And those hips look good for bearing children too!" she said, more to herself than to anyone.
Oh, please kill me now! I beg some unknown gods.
"We're not—" Tina and I say in unison, but mom ignored us as she shakes Nancy's hand.
"I'm so glad you were willing to come," mom's voice is more exuberant than usual, and I wonder if she is putting on a show for our guests. I hope her and dad haven't been fighting too much lately.
