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only half-way listened. His father’s mind was on his future with the ACW. Throughout the day he had complained incessantly about having to give up being the Angel of Death.
    When Jesse told his mother about his father’s new gimmick, she laughed at the thought that her ex-husband, who seldom went to church, would portray a preacher—even a phony one.
    â€œDad’s really steamed about it, Mom,” Jesse said. “He says that if the ACW doesn’t care enough to listen to what he wants, he’ll just retire.”
    His mother chuckled. “Oh, Jesse, are you still falling for that line? Your father will never give up wrestling. It’s too deep in his blood. His career means more to him than anything in the world . . . including his family.”
    â€œMom, that’s not true,” Jesse said. “I know Dad cares about me. And I know that he still cares about you.”
    â€œReally? Then perhaps you can explain why I’m living in Dallas. No, kiddo, your father made a choice, and unfortunately, I came in second.”
    You made a choice, too, Mom , Jesse thought. That’s why you live in Dallas.
    His mother was the one who had asked for the divorce. She could have stayed in the marriage and made it work. Jesse’s father had been a professional wrestler for almost twenty years. It was what he did for a living. That’s how he paid the bills. What was he supposed to do? Give up his career and go work as a shoe salesman in a department store? Jesse didn’t like it that his father was on the road so much, but he was doing his best to cope with it. Why couldn’t his mother?
    Almost certain that he knew the answer, Jesse asked, “Mom, let’s say that Dad absolutely hates being Elijah Nightshade, and he decides to retire. Is there any chance that the two of you could get together again?”
    Silence.
    â€œMom?”
    â€œJesse, your father will continue to wrestle no matter what ridiculous gimmick the ACW pins on him,” his mother said. “He’ll be one of those wrestlers who stays in the business long past his prime. Look at what happened to Bruce Brannigan. Bruce used to be the ACW heavyweight champion. He was on top of the world. But he couldn’t bring himself to retire after his star faded and the ACW released him. Now Bruce wrestles for pennies in bingo halls and school gymnasiums. That’s what your father will eventually end up doing. He’ll be an old man, working in the independent circuit, jobbing matches to help put over the young talent. Don’t believe what he says, kiddo. Mark my word. Ten years from now, he’ll still be wrestling.” She paused. “Besides, I’m seeing someone right now.”
    â€œYou’re dating?” Jesse said, flabbergasted. A knot cramped up in the pit of his stomach.
    â€œIt’s nothing serious. We’re just friends.”
    â€œYou’re dating?” Jesse repeated. The thought of his mother with another man sickened him. What was she doing dating? The ink on the divorce papers was barely dry.
    â€œIt’s not what you think,” his mother said. “Homer’s a nice man who works at my school, and we’ve gone out a few times.”
    â€œHomer?”
    â€œThat’s his name. Homer Mondragón. He teaches algebra here at North Oak Cliff High School.”
    An image of Homer Simpson from The Simpsons popped in Jesse’s mind. Great. My mom’s dating Homer Simpson.
    â€œWhat does he look like?” Jesse imagined a fat, bald, yellow-skinned man, wearing a short-sleeve, white shirt and blue pants.
    â€œI don’t want to talk about him right now,” his mother said. “Listen, I hate to cut this call short, but I have a ton of essays to grade. Don’t worry about Homer, Jesse. Like I said, we’re just good friends.”
    Good friends now. But what about later? Jesse’s mother and that Homer guy were both teachers. They