I take a few more steps into the room and look at him, bracing myself.
“So, it seems you have a problem with your curfew time?”
I look down and mutter, “I didn’t think you even knew.”
“I didn’t. Until a little birdie told me this morning.”
I look over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Cody in the kitchen, smiling, and anger bubbles inside my chest.
“Why are you a pain in my ass?” I call him out and Momturns around, pointing a finger.
“Hey! That is enough!” Her voice is stern. She’s clearly not messing around.
“So, care to explain?” Dad asks.
I shove my hands in my pockets and shrug. “Just lost track of time.”
“Were you drinking?”
“No. I was with Ella.”
“And were you guys drinking?”
“No, we went fishing.”
“You left after dinner. That’s six hours you had to fish.”
“I know, sorry.”
“One more time and we’re cutting you back to eleven.”
I shake my head. “It won’t happen again.”
“You’re grounded the next two weekends.”
“Two?!”
“Did I stutter?” He sits up in his chair.
“No, sir.” I swallow, and he reaches for his coffee, indicating he’s done. I head out of the room to eat breakfast. Cody has a smug grin on his face and I want to smack it off of him.
When I sit down at the table, I pull my phone out and text Ella.
Me: Caught. Grounded the next two weekends.
Ella: Oops. Sorry. Hope I made it worth it though ;-)
I still smile—she’ll always be worth it.
End ofFlashback
I knock softly on her door. “Addie? It’s me.”
She opens it. Her hair is half up in clips; the half that’s downis curled. Her makeup is done and she’s dressed as if she’s heading out somewhere nice.
Her brows furrow. “What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to talk about something.” I step inside.
