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"Just watching a movie, Dad" I yawn

"Who is this boy in your bed? And why’s there a laer by our front door?"

"This is Corndog," I say "He’s a friend from school"

Dad raises an eyebrow "A friend?"

Why is Dad choosing this preciseDaddy Denial? Gar It’s not like I really care--I --what if Brian were inme a nervous smile

"I’ll walk you to the front door" I hop out of bed and lead hi roo at ain

Who is this lady? Soel of darkness God sent to confront ot Laura

Dad walks up behindHe drops a hand on my shoulder "I invited Veena over for dinner"

"I’ll see you at school to My face feels hotter than a supernova

He glances at Dad and Veena, then gives one, Dad claps his hands together and looks at me "So what’s for dinner?"

"Oh, ulance atby now Veena narrows her eyes at Dad I guess he invited her over for dinner and failed to hter ," I explain, not wanting to embarrassdinner now" I nervously play with ood, fast option I don’t have tio with it I grab a pot fro it ater

Brian hasn’t called all day Didn’t that ti to hi off the water when Dad enters the kitchen "Forget cooking Let’s go out for a change, okay?"

Ryan said he has a paper due tomorrow (can you say "excuse"?), so it’s just me, Dad, and Mystery Woman Veena at Davy Crockett’s Roadhouse I like this place because they serve peanuts by the bucket, and I can eat a bucket load of peanuts because my diet depends on lots of protein

I crack open a few and line eight peanuts up across my bread plate I’ll savor the her hand

She blushes Is she e? Since when does Dad come on to anybody? He hasn’t dated since…since…ever? Since Moional Medical Center," she says, avoiding my eyes

Dad rattles peanuts in his fist like a pair of dice "And Parker is a senior at Hundred Oaks She’s going to Vanderbilt next year"

"Vanderbilt? Really?"

"She’s valedictorian too," Dad adds, s a peanut in his mouth

I’m pleased that Dad is proud ofBut then I ree e iven as to uys on the same day One in a janitor’s closet, one in my room I rub my eyes This isn’t what I wanted for myself Maybe I was meant to be a sinner Maybe that’s all I’ll ever be Maybe Laura’s right

A good person wouldn’t lust after a teacher Lonely or not

Veena takes a greasy roll from the bread basket and butters it up Saliva forms in ht? No, I shouldn’t

"Are you co to Forrest Sanctuary now?" I ask Veena

She sips her water, then nods "Yes I just moved here from New York and don’t really know anyone except for people at the hospital But I’ve always gone to church, so here I aives her dark skin a rosy touch

"I’ain "Excuse ht back" He stands and heads toward the restroo the salt

Veena takes a bite of roll, and after sing, she whispers, "Don’t worry I won’t say anything to your father about this

She continues, "The man you ith…he seemed older"

I don’t respond I concentrate on peanut 2 I want to eat it in peace

"It’s none of my business, I know And I’m one to talk…your father must be over ten years older than , okay?" she says

"Okay, thank you," I whisper "Nothing happened, just so you know"

She pauses "So, Vanderbilt?"

"Yes, I got in early ad, proud voice

She srauess I didn’t study hard enough" She laughs, sipping her water, and I join in laughing

I eat peanut number two and smile at Veena as I chew She’s very pretty and slim I love her black curls, and it looks like she kno to use an eyelash curler Her full lips are painted a bronze-ish color

Dad hustles up and slides into the booth next to her "What did Ihis napkin back on his lap

"None of your business," Veena replies "Girl talk"