"Josh, I'm so happy for you. Look how you've cleaned up this place!" Lindy slowly walked in a circle, taking in the clean living room.

"I decided it was time to be a man." They laughed. Sweeney walked in and barked.

"Sweeney! You look so… clean!"

"I gave him a bath today. He was starting to smell like me."

"Oh, he uses Antonio Banderas, too?" She ruffled his hair. "Josh, you look like you are doing so much better. I am truly happy for you. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

"Thanks. I'm having company over today." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Really? Who?" She sat on his sofa, which no longer had Mountain Dew stains on it.

"Idina and Taye. I'm going to cook for them."

"No way. Are you kidding me? What are you going to make?"

"BBQ pork and a steak for the men. I can grill! Dad taught me how when I was 14."

"Well, I'm sure you'll all have a splendid time. Am I invited?"

"Mom, how old am I?"

"Well, whatever. But save me some leftovers. What are you making for a vegetable?"

"I don't know; I hadn't thought of it."
"Josh, when you cook you need to make it well-rounded. You need a side, like rice pilaf or potatoes, and a veggie. And don't forget a dessert. I know Idina likes chocolate."

"Mom, can I ask you a question?" He sat on the floor and rested his elbow on the coffee table.

"Of course, honey."

"What would you do if you fell in love with someone who was already married?"

She paused, the wheels in her head turning, searching for the words to say. "I would, most likely, try to suppress my emotions. Marriage is too special to be ruined by a third party."

"Yeah, I know."

"Do you like Idina?"

Well, she caught on fast, he thought. "No, but I think she might like me. If she had never married Taye I know that we would have made a great couple. But that's impossible now. It's just weird because we're going to work on my next album together, and she's coming over for dinner tonight, and I just feel like I don't want to make things harder for her."

"You could always talk to her about it."

"Aww, Mom, that would be too weird."

"Well, Josh, I have to go make lunch for your father, but if you want to talk more just call me."

"Okay, thanks, Mom." They both rose to their feet and Josh pecked her on the cheek.

"Goodbye! Have fun tonight!"

"We will. Take care."

G