She squeezes my hand again, harder this time.
I need a cigarette—no, a whole damn pack.
Mom and Dad’s gazes bounce between us, still not believing what they’re hearing or seeing, but then they pull themselves together.
And I do too. My erratic nervous system calms as she brushes the pad of her thumb on the crook between my thumb and index finger.
Mom isn’t buying it. Her gaze drops to our hands, and she sneers. “But you didn’t say a thing to him at the restaurant. Or to us. You?—”
“I was working, and despite how much I like your son, I wanted to maintain professionalism.” She answers steadily and without missing a beat, lying so smoothly even I believe her for a second.
When she tips her head up and our eyes lock, I breathe easier.
“And I didn’t want Anna to get in trouble.” I lean down, kissing the crown of her head. That’s probably pushing it, but how else would I sell it? I don’t think they’re buying it, but they don’t look as distrusting as they did a moment ago.
“Hmm…” Dad doesn’t say anything, doesn’t even look at her anymore.
“Now that you’ve all met, we have to get going. We’re going out to dinner. I’ll see you later.”
“It was so good to meet you both.” She extends her palm, and they begrudgingly shake it.
I’m ushering Anna outside, hand in hand, before they can change their minds and continue to interrogate us.
The arctic air is a relief to my burning lungs. I inhale deeply, despite the frost that feels like it’s impaling my skin. I pat the inside of my jack—right, no cigarettes—but I do find a pack of gum and pop three pieces in my mouth.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot or to lie but?—”
“Are we still grabbing dinner?” she asks, her expression oddly empathetic.
“Is this a trick question where you proceed to slap the shit out of me for?—”
She bursts out a laugh. “I don’t like solving my problems by throwing hands. I mean, is the temptation there? Yeah. But I don’t want to hit you. I do want to eat though. I’m starving.”
I’m so lucky it was her. I’m so lucky she’s here.
“Yeah, I know a place.” I hold out my hand, not totally sure why. She stares at it, and I wonder whether she’ll leave it floating, but she takes it.
10
ANNA
Friday, December 13
We standin front of a small building. A bright-red neon sign above the door saysStrangerswith a person on either side of it, their arms stretched under the word as if they’re holding it while they shake hands.
“You brought me to a dive bar?” I hold my jacket tighter to my body.
I don’t care that we’re here. I’m actually excited. Places like this always have the best food. But we’re so overdressed, and I have to return this dress as I got it.
“I hope that’s okay? I swear they have the best burgers here.”
My stomach grumbles and mouth waters, but the thought of getting this dress dirty stops me. I will have the money to pay it off now, but I’m trying to save it for important things like bills and getting a new mixer.
“This is more than okay. I love burgers but…” I shouldn’t be, but I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I don’t own this dress. I also don’t want his pity. “Should we not get changed? We’re so overdressed and?—”
“I’m going to be honest with you right now.” He cuts me off.
“I would hope you’re honest with me all the time.” We exchange a smile that makes my stomach dip and flutter.
