It is nine o’clock; you better make your call.

It is exactly nine when I call her. She answers after a few rings. Immediately, I jump into conversation. “Let me just announce that I am extremely punctual.”

“Hey! Well, I already took care of doing what I told you to remind me to do.” She says. That is her way of saying ‘it’s all taken care of, you can go to bed now.’ She knows I haven’t slept yet. I never sleep while it’s dark outside. I don’t remember the last time I saw the sun shine brightly.

“Well, since I’ve got you on the phone, there is something I’ve got to run by you.” I say easily. I make sure she knows that I’m ultimately leaving the choice up to her.

She picks up on that and listens. “Okay, go for it.”

“So this is completely up to you. I am running it by you because I don’t want to overstep a boundary or do anything to make you question or feel uncomfortable.” It’s called the persuasive sandwich technique. You mention that it’s their choice, tell them what they are deciding, and then repeat that they are in control. “After I got off the phone with you last night, I had a message from Aiden saying that he already got that alcohol for us. He wanted to know if he could swing by my place to drop it off today. But it’s entirely up to you.”

There is no hesitation. “Yeah that’s fine, I don’t care. But under one condition – your dad better be home and sitting on the porch. That makes it a much safer situation. Your mom is crazy, and I would be scared of her. But that is only because I know her. Your dad scares everyone.”

“Oh of course” I say easily. “Today is Dad’s day off work anyway, so of course he’ll be home.”

Wow, she really doesn’t trust him does she?

I guess that trust went out the window when he was flirting with her best friend. I’ve made sure everything was worked out and safe.

I am getting wasted this weekend, and I’m doing it with Ashley by my side. I need to remind her to get some margarita mix though.

I’m excited!

TBC