“Oh, sure, Emerson. Should we add your dad on the call? Because what in the ever-loving fuck am I going to tell him?”
“Can you please stop talking so crass?”
“Why? Does your new guy talk like a gentleman? He certainly didn’t look like one with all that wild hair and ratty T-shirt.”
“Robby. You’re getting ahead of yourself.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
I couldn’t say he was, so I stayed quiet.
“See? You can’t even defend yourself. What the hell is your dad going to say about this? This guy protects you from me, and you go acting like a floozy in the big city.”
“I’m not acting like a floozy. I’ve made friends, I work hard, and I’m looking for my mom.”
“And you’re not going to school. Did you know I’m going to be a doctor, Emerson?”
“Of course I do, Robby.”
I stood, lightheaded and weak. What the heck did he want from me? He’d sided with my dad, when all this started because of him.
Walking toward the mini bathroom, I decided I needed coffee.
“I can’t have a bartender as my better half.”
“Wait, what did you just say?”
“You’re a bartender.”
My ass fell onto the toilet seat. “Yes, I know. I’m paying my bills and looking for my mom.”
“You’ve thrown away everything for her. Your dad really got the shit end of the stick. And I can’t exactly be walking around in my pre-med program with someone who isn’t even in school to do anything professional.”
“Well, I guess you came here for nothing.”
“No, I came here to meet with my advisor, remember? I’m going to make something of myself.”
“Lots of luck to you, Robby.”
I hung up with one thought running through my mind.Thank God I didn’t give him my virginity.
Maybe my dad was on to something. I needed to call him, figure stuff out with us, and apologize for bolting, but not right now. First, I needed coffee, and then I’d think on it.
With my first sip of joe, I realized Price wasn’t wrong either when it came to Robby. Robby wasn’t confused ... he knew exactly who and what he wanted, and it wasn’t me.
My hands curled around the warm cup, I found myself alone in a big city, looking for a woman I’d never met, and without the only two people I’d ever trusted.
A chill ran the length of my whole body—a fear greater than any I’d ever known. But with a resolution stronger than the sludge I’d brewed, I peed and decidedscrew ’em all.
Emerson
“Thanks, Randy.” I’d stopped in to pick up my paycheck and thank Randy for taking my shift at the bar.
The smell of cumin still hung heavy in my hair from my shift at the restaurant earlier in the day, but I didn’t have time to shower and change before heading to the art show at the Lucky Artist Bakery.Bev’s mom was going to be there, and she was my luckiest and biggest lead to finding my mom, all wrapped up in one.
Wearing jeans, a loose off-the-shoulder gray V-neck, flip-flops, and a messy bun would be how I would meet her. With a fresh coat of mascara and lip gloss, I looked shabby chic. It was the best I could do.
“Want some food?” Randy called after me.
