Oh?
“Yeah.” My voice cracked with anger I couldn’t swallow. “My supervisor didn’t even let me explain.”
“You know…” Sharon tucked a few blond strands behind her ears. “Maybe it’s for the best. It’ll make your dad happy. He wants you focused on school, and work just distracts you. Besides, he can give you what you need.”
Heat burned my cheeks, my eyes. Dad could give me everything but what mattered—his time, his attention. A car. Sharon had those things instead, and she didn’t even see how this was her fault.
Her apology wouldn’t fix anything. But at least it would’ve meant she cared.
“I’ve got a headache,” I said. “Please just bring me my bag when you can. I left it in your car—that’s why I called.”
“I’ll let you rest, then.”
She rose quickly and slipped out.
Uncomfortable moments always made her bolt. Nothing new.
I drew in a shaky breath and let it go. Finally alone, I opened my diary, ready to spill everything and stay miserable for the rest of the afternoon.
***
Another knock came two hours later. I’d stopped crying and abandoned my diary long ago. Now I just lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
“Yeah?” I called.
“It’s me.”
Flutters replaced the cramps at the sound of Asher’s voice. I should’ve still been mad after the club, but what he’d done for me today erased the anger.
I padded to the door and opened it. “No locks, remember?” That had been one of his first complaints about Dad’s rules when he lived here before.
He leaned his forearm against the frame. “Doesn’t give me the right to walk in without permission.”
I stepped back. “Come in.”
As he crossed the threshold, I cursed myself for the clothes draped on my chair and books scattered across the desk. It wasn’t a disaster, but I hated the mess. He’d already taken it in, eyes sweeping the room like he was checking for changes since last time.
Asher sat on my bed. “Come here. I wanted to talk.”
Nerves stiffened my steps as I lowered onto the pink comforter beside him. His dark eyes lingered on my face. “How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know.” My voice cracked. “I lost my job.”
“What?” His frown deepened. “Why?”
“I didn’t show up.” I shrugged. “My manager didn’t care why.”
“Iknow why.” Asher dragged a palm down his face. “Because my mother forgot to pick you up. She went out—I think to dinner in town with your father. I’ll talk to her when she’s back.”
“What for, Ash?”
It was the first time I’d called him that, and I could’ve sworn he noticed—his gaze softened.
“What would’ve happened if I hadn’t been there?”
I had no clue. Seeing him had been a lucky accident, but I didn’t want him fighting with his mother over me. I shifted on the bed. “I don’t know. I’d have figured something out.”
“I know you would’ve. Doesn’t change that she let you down.”
