“Dude, come on,” Dee complains. “Snitches get stitches.”
Nix shrugs and sips his drink.
“A heads-up would’ve been nice,” I grumble.
“And ruin the surprise,” Dee says around a mouth full of Pad Thai. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“Asswipe.”
“Seriously, man, obviously you care for Cocoa, so quit being a butthole.”
There’sthe word I hate…care.
“I’m never one to agree with Dee, but in this aspect, he does have a valid argument.”
“Gee, thanks,” he deadpans.
“You’re welcome.” Nix grins.
“What happens between Cocoa and me doesn’t concern either of you.”
“Listen, we rag on you a lot, but it’s because we love you,” Dee says solemnly. “You need some normalcy in your life, and she can give you that.”
“Break the mold John beat you into,” Nix whispers.
“I know you both mean well, but stay the fuck out of it.”
It’s difficult to forget the lessons he beat into me as a kid. My primal urges and the hate inside me ride me twenty-four seven. John created a wild animal.
“Hi, Mom,” I greet her, entering the classroom.
She sent me a text asking me to stop by before heading to the multipurpose room.
“Hey, baby.” She beams, reclining in her chair.
I perch on the edge of her desk. “You wanted to see me?”
She regards me thoughtfully. Uh-oh, I have an inkling I’m not going to like this conversation.
“You seem subdued lately, not your usual bubbly self.” She squeezes my knee. “You told me everything is okay, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask again.”
“Mom, you worry too much,” I say in my most reassuring voice. “I’m hunky-dory.”
“It’s my job to worry. You’re my life, and your happiness matters to me. If something is causing you distress, I expect you to tell me. There’s always been honesty and open communication between us. I never want that to change.”
“Nothing is going on. It’s senior year, so the pressure is on, that’s all.”I grasp her hand and lightly squeeze it. “I promise.”
“All right, just remember you can talk to me about anything.”
“I know, Mom.” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. “I better skedaddle.”
“Okay.”
“See you at home.” I leave hastily without looking my mom in the eyes.
I’m the worst daughter in the world, but keeping her in the dark is the right choice. I can handle Maverick, and anyway, graduation is only a few months away. Soon, this whole ordeal will be a distant memory.
“Cocoa!” Kayla shouts excitedly the moment she sees me.
