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Dad.”
    “I’m expecting a part to come in for Mrs. Sutton’s car. Phil called and said he’ll be bringing it by in an hour. I want to get her car back to her as soon as possible. Don’t hold dinner up for me. I won’t be home until late tonight. I’ll pick up a burger.”
    Even though Dad worked late sometimes so that he wouldn’t get backed up, it seemed to be happening more frequently. He was hardly ever home lately. “Okay, Dad.”
    As I placed the phone back onto the base, Mom staggered into the kitchen. Her alcoholic breath left a vapor trail wherever she went. She was still wearing her nightgown. Using the counter to steady herself, she said, “Who was that?” She licked her dry lips.
    “Dad. He’s working late.”
    She leaned on the sink. Her brown hair was matted , and her face was white and drawn in. “What a surprise.” Her tone was sarcastic. It was an effort for her to keep track of the conversation.
    I tried to change the subject. “Dinner should be ready by the time Bryan comes home.”
    “What slop are we having tonight?” She asked, squinting at me, trying to focus.
    Ouch! I may not be the best cook, but it’s edible, and it’s more than she does to provide for her family. “Tacos,” I said, as I cut up the lettuce and tried to keep my pride in check. She walked into the living room and threw herself onto the couch. Dillon had moved to the floor and didn’t even notice her. She pulled out a small square bottle from the pocket on her robe. Just stay in the kitchen, Mandy, otherwise she’ll say something hurtful to you again. She’s in one of her moods.
     
    ***
     
    During the next three days, I made sure that there was something we needed at the supermarket every day. It was awful. My heart raced and my skin got clammy just thinking about catching a glimpse of Rob. I had no intention of talking to him; I was a bit angry that he hadn’t shown up at the park like he said he would. Who am I kidding? I’d be spilling my guts if he spoke to me.
    Using the reflection of the windows of the cars in the parking lot, I checked to make sure my hair didn’t look a wreck, and that the lipstick that I had recently started wearing on a regular basis wasn’t smudged. That was all before I even walked through the front doors of the supermarket. I went at different times of the day, but he wasn’t there when I went. Finally, I told myself I had imagined his playful flirtation. I made a promise not to think about him again. He’s not interested in you. He was just being nice to you at the park, Mandy. Why else do you think he didn’t show up? Push him out of your head .
    But, i t didn’t work. No matter what I did to keep my mind free of him, I still thought of his beautiful face, his piercing, deep blue eyes, and that adorable dimple. I made it my business not to go to the supermarket after that. My family suffered through dinners made with strange combinations of ingredients. I had to use what we already had.
    Two weeks into the summer, Bryan knocked on my bedroom door. “Jimmy and I have the day off. We’re gonna hang out at the beach. Wanna come?”
    “Who’s going to watch Dillon?” I asked.
    “I am,” Dad walked up behind Bryan. “I’ll come home just before Dillon gets off the bus. Al will cover the shop this afternoon.” Al was his second in command. “I’m taking him to the airport to watch the planes take off and land.”
    Excuse number two: “What about dinner?”
    “Mandy, it’s only seven A.M.,” Dad said. “If you want, I’ll order in pizza.” Shot down again.
    Excuse number three: “I’m not really into the beach.”
    “Since when?” Bryan asked. “You can bring your sketch pad and draw me flirting with all the babes in bikinis.” He was serious.
    Excuse number four: Oh wait. I don’t have another one. Even if I did, I bet they’d shoot it down, too . My shoulders dropped in defeat. “Fine. Just let me throw a bag together.”
    “A bag?” Bryan