“Like my sister said, Jenny?—”
“Jennifer.” She corrects, her forced smile firmly in place.
“Jennifer, sorry. A month is unworkable. We’ve been carrying the burden of Dylan’s costs for almost six months. This is not only unethical, I believe it’s unlawful. Insurance companies such as yours, mustn’t deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition like autism.”
“Of course we can’t, and that’s not what’s happening here I assure you. Dylan’s cover has not been declined, rather delayed. Your late father left no will. Legal proceedings take time. Knowing this, we’ve been generous enough to cover Dylan’s medical costs even without full coverage. I can assure you, at theend of the month,” she taps again, “things should be resolved.”
“We need a little more thanshouldthis time, Jennifer,” Faith says, practically levitating.
“Unfortunately, that’s all I can offer right now.”
Having had enough, Faith stands and slaps both hands on the timber top, the movement scattering papers. “That’s not good enough.”
Jennifer says nothing, just glances to the doorway where a buff guy in a suit is standing, and motions for him to come in. “Thank you for coming in today. David will see you out now.”
“David can go get fuc–”
“Faith,” I say, harsher than perhaps necessary, but she can’t see the security guard strutting in like I can. “It’s okay. We have to go now.” By the time I’ve finished that sentence, the bruiser is beside me, looking like he’s going to crack his knuckles any second.
“Great.” Faith, who’s now redder than my shorts at the dunk tank were, barks. “Call security on the people you’re supposed to be helping. Excellent use of your resources.” With that she shoves the manila folder onto the floor and storms out. “See ya next time, Jenny.”
“I for realsthought you were going to deck her.”
“Never say for reals again … And so did I for a second.” Faith smiles at me. Actually smiles so I can see her teeth, and I’m so relieved I could almost cry. She’s barely acknowledged my existence since walking in on Cory and I. The fact it’s happened several times since, hasn’t helped either. “I can’t believe they can string this out for so long. Even with the advocacy groups help.”
“I know, it’s bullshit. But hopefully Jenny, Spawn of Satan, will pull through.” A laugh is added to the smile and I feel like I’ve won the lotto.
Faith pulls out of the undercover parking lot into the busy traffic and I pull out my phone. Once I’m done shopping, and he’s out of class, the birthday boy is coming over to the apartment. Unease prickles in my belly. He’s canceled our last two meet-ups, and even when we have been alone, he’s seemed … distant. Playing it cool while around the team, and in public, is one thing, but something feels off.
Is the novelty of our clandestine affair already wearing off?
There’s no waiting message, which is good, but I decide to fling him one just in case.
It feels like forever since I touched you. Can’t wait.
It goes to read immediately, so I sit and wait and stare at the screen, shielding it from the dappled light the passing oaks create for two blocks. But there’s nothing. No ‘can’t wait to see you, too’. No thumbs up, no ‘Get fucked.’
Nothing.
Huh.
“You’ll crack the screen if you stare at it any harder.”
“Huh,” I say out loud this time.
“Your phone. You’ve stared at the thing for hours.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m just trying to get hold of Cory. He’s been hard to pin down the last few days. Maybe I should message him again, or do you think that would be too clingy. Shit. I’m coming off as clingy, aren’t I? Fuck my chest hurts. Look at me, woman. Do you see clingy?”
“No, I see a hypochondriac who needs to breathe. I’m sure he’s just busy with practice and his friends and class. Maybe it’s a good thing to have a break. Maybe he’s matured a little and realized the cost of this little game he’s playing?”
Right. My hackles rise immediately. Faith’s made it perfectly clear she is no fan of our relationship, but even so she’s looking entirely too smug and self-satisfied for my liking. Sitting up ramrod straight, I lay my palms on the dash to stop myself from grabbing the wheel and pulling us over.
“What did you say to him, Faith?”
“Nothing … that didn’t need to be said.”
“Faith!”
