Page 56 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

56 | FRANCESCA PE NN

“Stop texting each other. Be bold and say it.” I am awarded with another
kitchen chuckle. Mom follows the sound, and I follow her. “How long have you
lived here?”

Henry looks over his shoulder. He is cracking eggs. The action causes his back
and bicep muscles to twitch deliciously. I slide a glance to my mother. I am not the
only one who notices.
“A little over two months.” Gail gasps and looks between us.
“Wait…” Disbelief labels all her features. “So, you are both single, sexy adults
on the rebound from some major assholes, living together, and haven’t met up in
the bedroom. I’m calling bullshit. Sanya! What did I tell you about lying to your
mother?” She folds her arms in conviction and stares me down.

I silently pray to turn into ice. I want to melt and flow away. “Mom!” is all I
can say.
Mr. Chuckles turns around with a perfectly cooked chicken sausage, spinach,
and feta omelet and slides it over to my mom.
“Hungry?”
She accepts it and digs in. She looks heavenward after the first bite.
Henry really does make good omelets.

“Sanya, baby. He cooks, too. Look me in the eye and tell me…are you a
lesbian?”
This is the last laugh at my expense. I am calling his mother and asking for every
embarrassing thing from his childhood the first chance I get.
Henry places our omelets on the table and sits in his favorite chair.
“Ms. Gail, we are both heterosexual adults who happen to be roommates and
good friends. We would not want to jeopardize our special bond for meaningless

sex.”
My mom places her red-tipped hand on her chest and swoons a little. “What
do you do for a living?”
“Automotive engineering.” My mom looks like she is ready to throw a parade.
“You are well-educated, smart, eloquent, in wonderful shape, and know how
to cook.” Henry blushes. “Am I missing something?”
“Um, I am fluent in French.” My mom looks at him with such adoration, I
half expect her eyes to turn into big beating hearts like a Looney Toons character.