"So, who was it? Mom had a way of hovering when she wanted to know something.
"My friend from the park. I said I'd bring her to the concert."
I could hear the smile in her voice. "That's wonderful. Just make sure Grace can handle it." With that, she started setting the table. It smelled like we'd be having spaghetti tonight.
Dad's car crunched its way down the drive. In a moment his step rang in the hall. "Hello, everyone! Is that dog in here somewhere?"
Grace perked up her ears; I could tell by the friendly panting she started up. It was a game they played. He pretended she was a pest, and she behaved like the perfect, obedient dog.
Over dinner, Mom told him about my plans. He listened, probably nodding his head once or twice.
"Well, son, I'd like to be present when you meet her." Dad was from England and always spoke formally. "Do you think that could be arranged?"
"I guess. Her name's Mia."
"Oh really? I knew a girl by that name in high school." He ate a forkful of noodles before going on. "She hardly notice me; I hope your friend isn't so high-handed."
**
In my room, I played back the tape from this afternoon. There had been some interesting conversations; like I'd told Mia, people let their guard down around me.
Still, what was the point of listening to people talk? It was speaking itself that I wanted to do. I just hoped my new friend was a good talker. I wasn't exactly an expert on girls.
