Chapter 21
Lainie
Holding my phone in my hand I stare at his message.
Keeton:Hey, babe. Wanna come over?
“Who’s that from, or do I even need to ask?” says Keely reading over my shoulder. “Ooh, that’s a booty call. You gonna go?” She says with a smirk.
It’s Keely’s unique way of encouraging me, I suppose. But, she doesn’t know about today––about Lewis’ visit or about Keeton’s harsh brushoffs. I left early because I was barely holding it together at the shop. Iamonly the temp and Molly told me I was doing a great job––that I was up-to-date on everything. And I told Keeton when I took the job that it needed to be flexible. So, why shouldn’t I leave? I didn’t feel it was necessary or prudent for me to approach Keeton again. I can take a hint.
The part that hurts the most is the fact that Lewis was right. Keeton was, or is, from the looks of the text, just using me. He wants sex. All of that bull he said last night was just that, bull. Lies. I don’t know why he had to do it. I mean, I was already there in his bed willing to do whatever ‘whorish’ things he wanted to do to me. “God, I’m such an idiot.”
“Why do you say that?”
“No reason.” I mumble. I wish I hadn’t said that out loud. I’m not ready to admit how stupid I am. I’m the oldest, Keely’s the youngest. I should know better. I need to teach by example and if she sees how easily I fell into his bed and how badly it hurts to be used like this, I won’t be able to look her in the eye again. Besides, she won’t be able to keep it to herself. She’ll blab to the rest of the girls and I can’t face it. I’m not strong enough yet.
“You should totally go over there. You had fun last night, right?”
“Sure.” Yes, I had a great time. But, I’m not like Keely. I can’t just hook up with a guy and laugh it off like she does sometimes.
“Then go.” She reaches for my phone, but I’m fast enough to pull it away.
“I’ve got this. Now, get back to doing whatever it is you’re doing.” Whatisshe doing? “What are you doing?”
“I’m just making some notes to prepare.”
“Prepare? For what?”
“My court battle.”
I stand with my mouth agape. Speaking extra slow, I ask, “Court battle?”
Rolling her eyes and sighing like she thinks I’m the dumbest person, she responds, “My appeal.”
“Appeal?”
“Yeah.”
“For what?”
“Oh, just a speeding ticket.”
I look at the rectangular piece of paper sitting on the table in front of her and blink. “Again?”
“Yeah. Geesh.” Keely rolls her eyes. “Nothing to worry about, sis.”
“Uh, huh.”
She looks back down at her notes then back up at me. “Lainie, I’m innocent.”
“Uh, huh. So, you’re appealing the ticket?”
“Oh, yeah.” She nods. “It was entrapment.”
“Right.” Note to self: Call a family meeting. Topic? Keely’s lead foot. “Wait! You didn’t get a ticket in Keeton’s car, did you?”
“Not yet,” she winks. “But, there’s still time.”
