“That happened to Janice and Bob!” my mother says. “And they never got their money back, you know. The foreign police wouldn’t even investigate.”
I can guarantee that’s not what happened to Janice and Bob, whoever they are, but I can’t be bothered to argue.
“Fine.” I rise to my feet. “I’ll go book a hotel.”
I’ve actually already booked one. For the first night, anyway. I want to have somewhere to shower and throw my things before I go to see Travis. But I’m hoping I won’t need it after one night.
“Do you need help packing?” my mother calls after me.
I roll my eyes as I climb the stairs. “Nope. Thanks.”
“What time should we leave for the airport?”
I almost say that I’ll get a taxi, but I count to five and think better of it. “Three o’clock,” I call back.
We get there at two o’clock, because my mother was worried three hours wasn’t enough time to get through security.
“Call as soon as you land,” she says, kissing my cheek. She looks anxious, like she’s sending a five-year-old off to their first day at school. I had to count to five about a million times in the car, but I do feel a twinge of guilt as she walks away. I know she means well, deep down. And I really think I’ll be able to tolerate it better once I’m out of the house. People just aren’t meant to live with their parents after high school.
I kill an hour grabbing dinner in the Albuquerque airport and then another watching old episodes ofThe Officeon Netflix. I’ve got Travis’ Instagram open in another tab, and I hear a little ding as a message comes in. My heart leaps. For a second, I forget that I never sent Travis a message, and I wonder if he’s messaging me.
Obviously, he isn’t. The message is from @london.kel247.
Shit.
I click on it nervously.
Hey babe! Your mom called mine a little while ago. Really looking forward to our London trip this week. Can’t believe it slipped my mind ;);)
I let out a strangled laugh.
There’s a green dot by her name—she’s online now. I typequickly.Shit. Sorry. Should’ve messaged. Kind of used you as an excuse...
She answers right away.Don’t apologize, I love it. Hope you’re doing something scandalous.
I think you’d approve.
;);) Bet I would. If your mom asks, though, make sure you tell her about the London Portrait Gallery. And the Tower of London. And Stonehenge. My mom kept asking about our plans. Had to make up a bunch of shit.
I laugh out loud.Thanks.
No worries, babe. How are you? I heard about the crash. Really glad you didn’t die. Has everything been total shit since?
Thanks. And yes. Been living with my parents again.
!?!?!?!!?!?!? Are you kidding?
Nope.
BABE. Come and stay with me in London! I’ll kick my flatmate out tomorrow.
I laugh again.You don’t have to do that.
Meh. I was planning on doing it anyway. She’s the worst. For real, though. You need to get out of your parents’ place!!
Tell me about it. Working on it, though.I hesitate and then add,That’s why I’m headed to London, actually.
Oh yeah??
