“Maddie Miller?” She yawns. “Who is Maddie Miller?”
“Please, Mom. She’s a girl from school,” I explain. “Pleaselet me borrow your car.”
She’s awake now, coming to life, switching to Mom mode by asking twenty questions. “Is that the girl you liked sophomore year? I thought she was mean to you. Why do you need my car?” She reaches for her phone to check the time. “Easton. It is barely six in the morning.”
I am well aware.
“I know, Mom, but this an emergency. I can bring it back after lunch, I swear.”
“You’re being so intense.” Her eyes slide closed. “I haven’t had coffee yet…”
Determined, I double down on my whining. “I’ll fill the tank with gas. Please, Mom.” I hover over her, sounding as desperate as I feel.
She cracks one eye open, yawning. “Wait. I thought you liked Harper.” Another long, loud yawn follows. “She’s so cute.”
“I do like Harper,” I admit quickly. That’s not the point. The point is, I’ve had a crush on Maddie Miller for years, and if I don’t take her to school today, I might never find out if there’s an actual chance for something to happen between us. This is fate handing me an opportunity, and I’m not about to let it slip away.
“Please,” I beg again, shifting my tone to something softer, more pitiful. “I’ll bring the car back in perfect shape. Full tank. Spotless. Whatever you want.”
Mom sighs, sinking deeper into her pillow, her eyes fluttering. She presses her fingers to her temples.
“You’re being ridiculous right now, Easton.”
“Mom. I’m not kidding. I’m begging, here.”
I clasp my hands together in prayer, leaning closer. She doesn’t open her eyes this time, but there’s a flicker of a tired smile on her lips. A good sign, that smile—or maybe a bad one?
The suspense is killing me.
Then her eyelids flutter open, damn near giving me a stroke.
“You’ll bring the car back full tank, no scratches?” she finally says, in a daze.
“Yes!” I shout a little too loudly, vowing, “Full tank. No scratches.” I pause. “I’ll even wash it if you want.”
She sighs dramatically, waving a hand in the air. “Fine. Get out of here before I’m fully awake and change my mind.”
HELL YEAH!
“I won’t drive like an asshole, promise!”
I lean down to kiss her cheek before bolting out of her room, her muffled groan following me as I race down the hallway.
I’ve got a car. I’ve got a chance!
Maddie Miller, here I come!
I bolt back to my room, panting like I just skated thirty laps around the rink, and grab my phone. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I’m giddy to type out the following message:
Me:I can pick you up. What time?
Maddie:OMG, thank you!!! 7:00? You’re the best
Holy crap—she used a smiley face. I can’t fucking breathe.
Me:No problem. Just text me your address, and I’ll see you then!
She does, and I quickly map out my route on my phone. I have plenty of time before I need to leave, but my brain is freaking out. Shit, what am I going to wear? I mean, I should at least look decent, right? Normally I’d throw on sweats and a hoodie and call it a day—but today is definitely not that day.
