“We’ll see. Right now, I’m living on borrowed money.”
“The zoo,” I said, seeing the sign as we approached. “Oh, I’ve never been.”
“Come on.”
As soon as we went through the gate, I squeezed Price’s hand. “Thanks, this is fun.”
“We didn’t even see anything yet,” he said with a quizzical look.
“I’m telling you now because I know it will be awesome.”
Right there under the tree at the zoo entrance, Price kissed me. He kissed me hard first, close mouthed, and then soft, not letting up. I didn’t want him to stop.
“I like you, Emmy B, and don’t you forget it,” he finally abandoned my lips to say.
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Come on, let’s see some penguins.”
Price
“Let’s go somewhere, get away from all this bullshit. It’ll be fun,” I said, Emerson’s feet up on my lap as we chilled out on the couch.
It was Thursday, and the first time I’d seen her since the zoo. She’d spent most of her free time over the last few days dealing with her obnoxious boss at the restaurant, and trying to find a moment alone with Bev. Every time she went into the bakery, Bev busied herself in the back.
Emerson sat up and stared into my eyes. “You’re such a softie. You want me to make up with my dad, don’t you?”
“I do, but I also want to go in the ocean.”
“Whatever ... I guess we could. I’m not on the schedule for the bar this weekend, and I don’t have the restaurant gig anymore. What a jerk. Can you believe it?”
“That he kicked you to the curb for a relative? Yes. It’s not like the place was winning best place to work in the U.S. of A. anytime soon.”
“Hardy-har. I made good money. I may not cover my rent now.”
Not sure where it came from, but “You could move in here” just dropped out of my mouth.
Emerson gaped at me. “Stop. You’re crazy. We just met.”
“Think about it, and also about going home tomorrow. I’d like to see you in a bikini.”
“Tell my dad that, tough guy.”
“Well, I was going to be covert ... just eye you up on the sly, and sneak into your room at night.”
“Shit, there’s my phone,” she said, interrupting me. “Let me see if it’s Bev.”
I didn’t mind. Her ass was on my couch, and this whole thing was really killing her.
“It is,” she said, popping up to pace my living room.
Okay, my dad’s living room.
I needed my own place. This joint was too beige. Too fancy. Extra as fuck. I couldn’t move Emerson in ... it wasn’t even mine.
“She said she’s sorry to be avoiding me, and she asked her mom, and her mom said there was no reason to be mad at me. This is great news, right? She’s lucky to have a mom like that, so open and understanding.”
“See? I told you. It’s going to work out.”
