The Truth About Faking by Leigh Talbert Moore Page B

did drop about forty bucks on you at the movie last night.”
    “I paid for my ticket! And I told you I didn’t want any popcorn.”
    “Still,” he takes my hand. “I deserve a free meal, too.”
    “OK.” I slide my hand out of his. “But don’t act like we’re too serious. Then Mom and Dad’ll be all weird when you dump me.”
    Jason’s smile fades slightly. “Right,” he says.
    We walk over to where Mom’s talking with Mrs. Bender. They’re discussing her treatment for her “condition,” and I’m thankful she has enough sense not to announce it in front of the group of ladies who are not so eager to move along. Mrs. Perkins walks up at the same time as Jason and me, all ready to make her weekly jab at my mom’s job.
    “Still dispensing voodoo potions, Jackie?” She smiles as if she’s joking, but I know better.
    “It’s not voodoo, Crystal. Herbal treatments have been around for centuries.” Mom’s turned on the honey voice. “They’re acknowledged by the church, and even doctors are recognizing their potential effectiveness now.”
    “I suppose if Ted were pastor, he might think it more godly to pray for Lois.” Ted’s Mr. Perkins, and it’s such a joke that my mom’s nemesis is acting so Christ-like. Everyone knows Mrs. Perkins is the biggest gossip in town.
    “Of course Stuart prays for Lois,” Mom smiles. “But finding ways to ease our suffering can be an answer to prayer, too.”
    Jason glances at me, and I roll my eyes. I’ve witnessed these “friendly” interactions before. Mom told me once you can learn a lot about people by the motives they project onto others. But I can’t figure out what that means when it comes to Mrs. Perkins. Does she secretly want to be a voodoo priestess?
    “Is that how Dr. Andrews feels?” Mrs. Perkins asks.
    “Perhaps you should ask him.” Mom’s still smiling, but her eyes are sharp.
    “Well, I’ve seen a world of difference since I started taking your special blend,” Mrs. Bender jumps in trying to diffuse the situation. “And I thank the Lord for that.”
    I smile at Mrs. Bender. She can be a bit much, but she has her moments. Mrs. Perkins makes a little noise and turns to her car, her minions close behind.
    Jason leans over to me and whispers. “GCBs.”
    I shake my head at him not understanding.
    He whispers again, “Good Christian…” he sees mom turning to face us and finishes with a murmur, “witches with a B .”
    “Witch-bees?” I’m confused, but his eyes widen. Instantly I get it. “Oh!” I yelp at Mom, who’s looking at us and smiling.
    “What?” she says, and I can tell she’s feeling victorious.
    “Mom!” I motion at Jason. “Do you care if Jason comes over for lunch?”
    She seems confused by my weird behavior, but she’s immediately welcoming. “Of course not. There’s plenty,” she says, smiling at him. “You look very nice, Jason. Properly dressed.”
    He looks down, embarrassed. “That was just a joke.”
    Mom grins at him, and I feel a little better seeing her so light-hearted all of a sudden. “I’m only teasing,” she says. “You’re very welcome to join us. And I’d like to get to know you better if you and Harley are going out.”
    “Oh, we’re just…” I stop short as Jason’s eyes shoot to me. I’m not sure what to say to make it seem less serious. I guess we have been out on two dates for all Mom knows. And he has been picking me up for school all week.
    “What?” Mom looks at me.
    I breathe a laugh. “I don’t know,” I say, shrugging. “We’re just, you know, happy to have lunch together.”
    Mom squeezes my arm and smiles before turning to walk to the car. Jason gives me a look behind her back like I’m acting deranged, but I just shake my head and keep walking.
     
    It’s nice having him with us at lunch, actually. Jason’s a good buffer against what I’ve seen and heard between Mom and Ricky lately, and I’ve pretty much decided to forget trying to talk to her