The Uninvited Visitor

I’ve only met Leigh one time, on a short visit to the campus when they were together. I disliked her then and I dislike her even more now that she’s managed to trample all over Brad’s heart. I look at her. She’s gotten more blonde and more tan, embodying the look of a college party girl. “Hi!” she says cheerily. “I’m looking for Brad. Is he here?”

I hesitate. I don’t know if Brad wants to talk to her. I don’t know if I should say that he’s stepped out.

She seems to sense that hesitation. “I’m his girlfriend,” she adds, with an annoyed smile.

I straighten up. “No, you’re his ex-girlfriend,” I say, “and I’m not sure if Brad wants to see you.”

Her mouth drops open. Drops all the way open in shock, and she looks me up and down as if I’m the most offensive person on the planet. “I’m sorry, who are you?” she says.

I give her a flat smile. “I’m Brad’s mother. We’ve met before, Leigh.”

“You can’t be his mother,” she says. “I remember meeting her, and she wasn’t a bitch.”

A deadly calm comes o