That night, at home, I decide to investigate the vodka incident a little deeper. It’s easier to look at the facts now that my anger has subsided and logic can take over. I need to understand what drove my rule-following, perfectionist of a daughter to such an act of rebellion. And given the rare moment of confidence we shared at lunch, I’m pretty sure I can get her to talk if I ask the right questions.

Once dinner is over, I take a carton of ice cream out of the fridge—the heavy stuff—and grab two spoons. Nothing says mother-daughter bonding like cookie dough.

I offer a spoon to Tegan and sit next to her so we’re sharing a corner of the table.

“Honey, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about what happened at school?”

She shrugs without replying. At least it’s not a hard “no” which, when dealing with a teen, I’ve painfully learned it should already be counted as a victory.

“Have those girls been mean to you in the past? Are they bullying you?”

“No, Mom, don’t worry, Mykenna Flanagan and I never hang in the same circles. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s all.”

“Why did you drink, then? If you don’t care about what this Mykenna thinks… Was it because of a boy? You like one of them?”

“Mom!” Tegan drops her spoon and blushes tomato red. “You can’t ask me that!”

“Why not? There’s nothing wrong with liking someone… although maybe I wouldn’t have picked a boy who brings alcohol to school… And you don’t want to date a spoiled rich kid; trust me, they’re the worst.”

“That’s exactly why we can’t talk about boys. You’re too prejudiced about men.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. You only fall for the improbable characters of romance movies. When have you ever given a chance to a real man, like, in real life?”

Stung by her words, even if they’re a little more accurate than I’m willing to admit, I say, “Well, Tegan, good men are hard to come by. And I do take chances with men.”

“Give me one example,” she challenges.

Thank goodness I let Lee persuade me into joining that dating service; otherwise, I’d be eating my own words right now. “I’ve joined a dating agency,” I announce, and Tegan’s jaw drops. “The same one Lee used to meet Garrett. Is that enough out there for you?”

“Really, Mom?” Tegan throws her arms around my neck, side-hugging me from her chair. “I’m so happy for you! I’m sure you’re going to find someone. I can’t wait to meet him.”