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hand.
     
    “Linda and I started dating a few weeks ago and we thought it might be a nice opportunity for you all to meet.  They’re new in town.” How incredibly sweet of you father.  I barely have seen you in the last years of my life, and you pull me into your new relationship with the newest Blondesquad’s member.  Let me make it through the night.   “We have reservation’s at Maggiano’s,” he said.  Great, a long dinner. 
     
    At dinner I sat quietly listening to Linda and my dad go on and on.  Linda was the adult version of Becca.  She was so unlike my mom - like polar opposite.  I was like my mom.  Why did the attractive blondes always get the guys?  Even if I dyed my hair blonde, I still wouldn’t land the guys.  I didn’t have the goddess look, long and thick wavy hair, big bosom, curvy hips, and long legs.  I was trim from all my running with muscular calves and thighs but got short changed in the boob department.  My hair was dark brown, long enough for a pony tail but nothing remarkable.  Why was I analyzing all of this?  What did it matter?  After the salad I began messing with the napkin in my lap, anything to detach from this.
     
    “Are you dating anyone Brogen?”  Linda asked.  Becca sat straight up in her chair, anxious to hear my response.
     
    “Not at this time.”
     
    “Well surely there is a boy that has captured your heart?” she insisted.
     
    I glanced at Becca and she raised her eyebrow daring me to say something.
     
    “Not at this time.”
     
    “Oh, that’s a shame.  There are some hunky guys at Stanton.  Becca has her eyes on this fellow named…”
     
    “Jay, Mother.  His name is Jay.”  Sigh.  I knew it, I waved the surrender flag and threw out any hope of something with Jay. 
     
    “She’s hoping he’ll ask her to the Homecoming Dance.”
     
    “I hope you get asked.”  I meant it.  I was done with Jay.  She could have him.  I liked him but clearly she was pulling him towards her.  Guys like Jay didn’t end up with girls like me.  My parents were a prime example.  My mom’s a lot like me, Dad’s like Jay.  He picked my mom but had an affair and is clearly drawn to girls like Becca.  Best to save myself the heartache and forget about him.  She gave me a surprised look,  shocked that I hoped she’d get asked by him. 
     
    After that, Becca smiled and tried to make small talk with me.  I was pleasant but in no rush to become friends with her.  Hopefully it could just go back to Meg and me conquering our final two years at Stanton - unscathed.  The evening ended and they drove me home.  I politely said goodbye to Linda, Becca, and my father and headed into the house.  I did not want to do this again.  Hopefully tonight’s interaction satisfied my dad for the next 5 years so I could crawl back under my little rock of safety.
     
    “Well, how was it?”  Mom asked as she rounded the corner. 
     
    “Tolerable.  He has a new girl and her daughter goes to my school.  He thought we should all meet.” 
     
    “Hmm, I wonder if they are getting serious?”  I could sense her energy change, which probably meant she was feeling jealous.
     
    “I don’t know and frankly, I don’t care.  Like I said before, I don’t need him in my life.  I don’t want him in my life.”  I didn’t need to worry for Mom, she was an adult and was cute and smart.  She could get a guy if she put some effort into it.  I had my own pity party to host.
     
    “You ok?”
     
    I looked at Mom and smiled the best I could.  “Yeah, I am.  Just an awkward night, think I’ll go soak in the tub.”
     
    “Okay, love you sweetie.”  I returned the affection with a kiss on the cheek.
     
    In the tub I let the hot soapy suds wrap me in a warm hug.  I felt the weight of the evening seep away with the soapy bubbles and I began to think a bit clearer.  I wondered how school would be Monday since Becca and I shared a moment at dinner.