Derrick was strutting and flexing in front of the mirror. He was older than John and was a 100% straight jock. “Hey,” I called. He couldn’t hear me over the music, I tried again. “HEY! Dumb ass.”
He jumped, and turned to look at me before turning down the music. “Sorry, didn’t hear you.”
“Obviously, what are you doing?”
“Getting ready to go out to a party tonight with the guys, going to meet up with Stacy.” He smiles and waggles his eyebrows.
“Really?” I reply with a coolness in my tone, and then he realises it’s me inside his father’s skin.
His face drops. “You’re not going to stop me from going are you?”
“Of course not, Derek’s an adult and he should be allowed to go and enjoy himself,” I say with a grin. “Just don’t get too comfortable in his skin, ‘cos when I get back I want you out of him and playing the father figure. It’ll be me going out with the guys tonight.”
He sags a little. “Ok, whatever.”
I smile to myself and return to the restaurant to find Terry. I feel Peter’s gentle giant persona wrap around me as I walk up to Terry and take his hand. “Hey, I’ve got to go to John’s school for a meeting with the principle. You know what he’s like,” I say in a soft voice squeezing his hand. “I’ll make it up to you tonight, I promise.” He gives a nod, and I peck him on the cheek and leave for school.