“Really? You’re not mad?”
“I love you almost as much as Jace does, Anastasia Leigh.”
“Shut up.”
Chapter 24
All In
Istart breakfast while I mull over my talks with Mom and Annie. I’ll have to call Nathan sooner than later. I’d rather drive to California in ninety-degree heat with no air-conditioning and a car full of wet dogs than to have this conversation. It has to be quick, but I see no way for it to be painless. Unfortunately, it’s still too early in the morning to rip the Band-Aid off.
I start a playlist of songs Sam and I discussed last night to have them fresh on my mind while I cook breakfast and front-load caffeine.
By 8 a.m., Mom is making gravy and I have the biscuits and bacon ready.
“Are you going to break up with Nathan in person or by phone?”
“You’re cutting to the chase bright and early.”
“I know you, Luce. You need to move quickly before you overthink it or find a way to avoid it.”
“Rude, Mom. I already did. I just want to be sure I was clear. But he can be volatile. I’ll have to take the coward’s way out anddo it by phone. Nothing good would come out of having this conversation in person.”
“Lucy! Has he been violent with you?”
“Notexactly. Kind of pushy and in my face sometimes, but I’m not going to trap myself that way, and I’m not waiting until I get home.”
“Do Alex and Joey know how he is?”
“Alex can’t stand him from what she’s seen online, but she hates everyone. Joey doesn’t know much about my life right now unless Alex tells him. They’re not really involved in my life anymore, Mom. We’re too busy and too far apart.”
“Oh, I guess that’s true. That’s sad.” I think it’s just now hitting her that we aren’t teenagers and don’t see each other anymore.
“It is, but I have the guys and Annie.”
“Well, keep Sam with you.”
“Sam?” I snort. “Annie’s the scary one. What would Sam do? Hug him to death?” I grin at her, but she’s not amused. “I’m not worried, Mom. Nathan hasn’t paid attention to me beyond arguing in two months. I said I was done. He just needs to know I meant it.”
I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be, but I still can’t eat much. There’s a lot of food, so I text Sam to come over and eat. I feel lighter. The weight I’ve been carrying is slowly lifting, and I can see the end in sight. The text buzzing my phone doesn’t hurt either.
Jude Daniel (Take a Sad Song and Make it Sexy) Crawford:Morning, Punk. Today will be busy, but I’ll check in when I can. You’re going to be amazing. I wish I could be there to see you. Have fun. Don’t puke.
He follows the text with a picture of Sam and me from the coffee shop, probably one Annie took. We’re looking at each other, singing with huge crazy smiles on our faces. It was a fun night.
Me:No promises. Honestly, I can’t wait for it to be over. I miss you. Be safe and have a good day.??????
Jude Daniel (Take a Sad Song and Make it Sexy) Crawford:I will. I miss you too.??
Sam and I sit at the kitchen table an hour later with our messy morning hair and lounge clothes, laughing about everything and nothing.
He squints at me as I get up to get him more food.
“Something’s different with you. Did y’all finally haveThe Talk?”
“What talk?” Iknowwhat talk. I’m just not ready to discuss it.
“You know, the one where you and Danny stop pretendin’ you don’t wanna kiss.”
