Where We Meet Again, стр. 34
I swivel on one crutch to face her, just in time to see her cute nose wrinkle. “Yes,” I snap, though not in a mean tone.
Her eyes widen in surprise of my confession. “But, mom!” she hisses, as though someone’s around to hear our conversation. “What if someone sees your…” She leans closer and quiets her voice. “…nipples?”
An unladylike snort bursts out before I can censor it. A full riot of laughter barks out after. “Oh, honey,” I wheeze, trying to catch my breath. “For one, nobody’s seen me. I’ve been at home all week. Second, my body is mine to do with as I please, and stuffing myself into a bra when I’m not leaving the house is not something I’m about to do.”
“Does that mean I don’t have to wear one?”
“No.” The automatic answer dries up the laughter.
Evelyn raises her eyebrows at me in challenge.
“Sorry, sweets, but you have to wear one for now. The reasons suck, and it’s a lame part about being a woman in this society, but until you’re an adult, that’s the rule.”
“Why though? If my body is mine, I should be able to do as I please, too.”
I sigh. “If you ran around naked down the street, they could arrest you for that choice. It’s not that simple, and I wish it were. You won’t be arrested for not wearing a bra. But, just as your body is yours to do with as you want, it’s also yours to protect with your life.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It means that there are predators out there who will try to look at and touch what isn’t theirs. And it hurts me to have to tell you this, because nothing you do could ever warrant someone touching you when you don’t want them to, but some sick people think if they can see certain parts of your body, it’s an invitation. It’s not.” I look directly into her eyes as I speak for emphasis, willing her with my mind and my heart to truly hear me. “You could wear a miniskirt, a low-cut tank top with your belly hanging out, and that still wouldn’t be an invitation for anyone to touch you if you didn’t want them to. Being able to see your breasts through your shirt isn’t, either. But you’re my baby, and until you’re an adult, it’s my sole mission to protect you. Even if it means requiring you to do something that’s uncomfortable and unfair.”
The conversation sours my stomach, and guilt eats at me. This isn’t what I want to tell her. I want to be a cool modern parent who encourages her to do what feels best. To be herself and make choices not based on conformity. I can’t do it, and maybe that makes me cowardly. The need to protect her is too strong. I only have a few years left to impart as much wisdom as I can.
“Okay, mom. You don’t have to worry because I like wearing my new bras, anyway. I’m going to finish getting ready for school. Lori will be here in a few minutes.”
Crap!
“I better get dressed, then.”
She walks down the hall, and I meander to the laundry closet to find my bras neatly hanging from the drying rack. I snag a fire engine red one and close the door behind me.
A loud noise rattles the window above the sink. My heart jumps into my throat, and I spin in that direction, sending my crutch crashing to the ground. Without the support, my balance wavers, and I reach for the closet door handle. After steadying myself, I shout, “What the crap!”
Law looks up from where he swaps out my screen for the storm window, his eyes catching mine. Even though the early morning light is dim, I his eyes appear dark. The gray overpowers the green, making them a parallel of the stormy weather outside.
His jaw tightens, the muscle standing out in his cheek, and his gaze sweeps down my body.
I drop mine too, getting a frightening glance of my inappropriate attire. Half-naked in a sexy, satin robe that hits mid thigh and clutching a bold red bra.
Clenching my jaw shut, I scream. In an epic fuck my life moment, I squat down in my barely there robe, retrieved my crutch, and limp away as quickly as I can, giving him the perfect view of my barely covered ass.
He’s going to get a piece of my damn mind.
What does he think he’s doing here? I haven’t heard a word since his text the night I hurt my foot; I didn’t even know he came back to town. Then, without asking me for permission, hell, even if I’d mind, he shows up at my house just after sunrise to replace my windows?
He’s insane.
I dress in record time. Evelyn pops out of her room as I storm down the hall just as a horn sounds from the driveway.
Crap, now she’s running late, and therefore, making other people late.
“Hug, kiss, get a move on,” I admonish gently as we rush to the front door.
We hug, and Evelyn moves to kiss me on the cheek while I swing the interior door open. My eyes move in that direction to read Lori’s mood and to apologize for the delay. Law stands on my doorstep with his fist raised, ready to knock, completely blocking my view. His jaw is solid and his eyes are unreadable as he takes the two of us in. If I were honest, I’d say he’s a heck of a sight better than Lori this early in the morning.
Evelyn gives me a kiss and pulls away, taking my attention with her. “See you later, mom. Love you.”
“Love you too, honey.” I run my fingers affectionately through her hair.
Law steps back and opens the storm door, which I notice also has the window installed instead