‘So he sent you?’ I shake my head. ‘I love how all of you talk about me when I’m not around.’
‘Like you don’t do the same thing?’ Sawyer says, appearing behind the bar as Nick leaves. ‘So what’d he tell you?’
‘To stop worrying about what happens when she leaves.’
Sawyer nods. ‘It’s tough, man. I get why you’re worried. But Nick’s right. You’ll never have a chance with her if you keep thinking about her leaving.’
‘Her leaving is the reason why Idon’thave a chance with her.’ I rub my jaw. ‘Shit, I did it again. I’m thinking about her leaving.’
‘You’ll work it out. You want another beer?’
‘No, I need to get home. Hey, if I move in the Carson house, you want my apartment for the summer? It’s a lot bigger than your place.’
‘Maybe. I’ll think about it.’
I leave and go back to my apartment. It feels empty without Mia there. She was only here a few days, but it was long enough for me to miss having her around. I always tell people I don’t mind living alone, but I’d rather be with someone. I’d rather be with Mia.
* * *
On Friday, I get to Mia’s apartment a few minutes early, wanting to talk to her before her parents get there. I’ve done some more thinking and have no doubt that I want her to stay with me this summer. I’m just not sure she’ll agree to it.
‘Jason,’ Mia says, greeting me at the door. ‘Come on in.’
‘Hey, before your parents get—’ I stop when I see they’re already there, sitting on the couch in Mia’s tiny apartment. It’s much smaller than I was expecting.
‘Mom and Dad got here early,’ Mia says.
‘I see that.’ I smile at them. ‘How was the trip?’
‘Wonderful,’ Harriott says. ‘It’s so easy to drive around here. There’s almost no traffic.’
‘It’s a big change from Boston,’ Mia says to me. ‘They’re not used to it.’
Harriott gets up and gives me a hug. ‘It’s good to see you again, Jason.’
‘You too, Mrs. Daniels.’
‘Call me Harriott,’ she says, going back to the couch. ‘You’re going to be my son-in-law soon.’
I look at Mia, but she looks away.
‘When’s dinner?’ Walter asks. ‘I’m starving and I’ve gotta take my pill.’
‘We could go right now,’ Mia says. ‘There’s no reason to wait now that Jason’s here.’
‘You haven’t even kissed him hello yet,’ Harriott says, winking at Mia.
‘Oh. You’re right.’ She walks up to me and gives me a quick peck on the lips.
I guess I have my answer. She’s not going to live with me. She doesn’t even want to kiss me. I screwed up too many times.
‘Walter!’ Harriott yells.
Mia and I look back and see Walter on his knees, holding onto the chair by the couch.
Mia races over to him. ‘Dad, are you okay?’
‘I’m fine. You just got too much damn furniture in too small of a place.’
