“It’s complicated.”
I watch Saint and Micah load the bike into the bed of the truck.
The hurt on Saint’s face is evident.
I’m devastated I caused it.
“Isn’t it always?” She sighs. “You know I’m not good at this mushy shit, so just give me some dap.”
We bump fists.
“Let’s go, Lo!” Saint calls.
“I wish we had more time together. You guys drove all this way.”
“Don’t sweat it. We’ll see each other again soon.”
They file into the truck, and my heart breaks, watching it disappear down the dirt road.
I drive through town, heading to Kayla’s birthday party. It’s been a stressful week. After the carnival debacle, I spent the weekend hiding in my bedroom. I told my mother Saint had a family emergency and needed to get back to California. I’m relieved she didn’t press me for details. On Monday, I pretended to be sick and stayed home.
I couldn’t face Maverick, or Dee and Nix for that matter.
They’re witnesses to our back-seat Jeep sex. Seeing their knowing glances would’ve sent me tumbling over the edge. It’s not in my character to run from my problems; I usually meet them head-on, but Maverick has finally gotten to me.
By Tuesday, I still couldn’t stomach facing him, so I faked sick again. At least pregnancy isn’t a concern since I’m on the pill.
The worst part is losing Saint’s friendship. He’s never mad at me for longer than a day, but this time it’s different. He blocked my number and unfriended me on all social media accounts.
Lo and Micah are stuck in the middle, which is unfair to them. I’m afraid, eventually, they’ll have to choose between Saint and me. It’d crush me if I lose their friendship too. It’s been the four us for so long, I can’t imagine my life without them.
To get in a better headspace, I phoned my grandma and we talked for hours. Sometimes I need coddling and she’s good for it. Bertha Anne Matthews is the reason I’m spoiled rotten. I can’t wait to spend Thanksgiving break with her. Some time away from Montgomery is just what the doctor ordered.
I got to school on Wednesday in total meltdown mode.
Maverick watched me but kept his hands to himself and didn’t utter a single snide remark to me all week. I have no clue why, but I’m grateful. Maybe what happened in his Jeep scared him as much as it did me.
I pull up to the residence, but the driveway is full and street parking is nil.
Guess I’ll be hoofing it. I circle the block and find a spot on the corner. It’s a tight squeeze, but I manage to maneuver into the compact space.
I pluck my large bag of goodies from the passenger seat and leave the car. I spared no expense, bringing a boatload of makeup, manicure supplies, and hair products. I also have Kayla’s gift—a makeup kit of her own. I make my way to the house and knock on the door. A petite woman with graying blond hair appears.
“Hi, here for the party?” she asks in a chipper voice.
“Yep.”
“Come on in.” She steps back, waving me inside. “I’m Robyn, by the way.”
“Cocoa.” We shake hands. “I tutor Kayla after school Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“Oh, yes, Kayla sings your praises all the time. She was over the moon when she passed her math test.”
“I’m so happy I could help. Are you a relative?”
“No, but I’m very much like family.” She smiles fondly. “I’ve been the housekeeper for the Whitlocks going on eighteen years now.”
“Wow, that’s a long time.”
