I can probably stay in the country for another six weeks and have money for a plane ticket home.
To my parents’ house.
Where my father lives.
I’m motivated.
Mom phoned early this morning to wish me a happy birthday, and Dad didn’t let the opportunity slip.
“Heard the guy you worked for had a kerfuffle at his event last week,” Dad said.“What was that about?”
“No idea,” I muttered.
“If he goes under, you’ll lose your job.You know what they say, last ones on board are the first off the ship.”
Well, that ship had sailed, so fuck you, Dad.
“Then I’ll find something else.”I snapped.
“Jobs aren’t that easy to find Emily.You need to grow up.You’re twenty-six now.”
“Roger,” Mom growled at him.“It’s her birthday, can you please give her a break?”
“Thanks Mom.”
“Christ.You’re part of the damn problem, Maureen.She needs to toughen up and learn there are consequences.”Dad started up.
“Yeah, well, so do you.I will divorce you as quickly as you can say football if you don’t stop picking on our daughter.”
Lexi and I stared at one another, our mouths gaping.I’d put the phone on speaker because she knows what he’s like.
“Have a good day, darling.I’ll call you on the weekend.Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks Mom.Um, bye Dad.”
“Yup,” he grumbled.
I really don’t want to go home.
Glancing out the window of the cab, I chew the side of my mouth.I have to prove I can make it here.After all, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.
Isn’t that what they say?
“TWO GLASSES OF yourbest vodka,” Lexi says to the bartender.
“Coming right up.Are we celebrating tonight, ladies?”He glances down her top.
She’s always been so much sexier than me.
Then again, Lexi encouraged me to buy a black cocktail dress today, which is significantly shorter than I normally wear—and tighter.
“It’s my birthday.”
“Happy birthday.Do I need to ask for your ID?”I realize he has a southern accent which is hot as sin.
I blush.“Sure.”
He winks at us, then turns to get our drinks.
