I can't help but think ofLacey's old words, about how I ruined Robin's life.After all, Ayear ago he was a football star on his way to a glorious collegecareer and then very likely to the NFL.It's ruined now forcertain.He's nothing more than a prisoner with a number as hisidentity.For the next seven years, and that's with good behavior.I'm not sure Robin even knows what that is.He's not even ahas-been.More like an almost-was-but-never-will-be-now.
But I can't feel anyguilt.Because his life may be ruined, but it wasn't me who did it.He did it all by his damned self.
My mother suggestschanging our flights to tonight instead of tomorrow night,apparently she has a lot of missed work to make up for.Sam hasanother suggestion.
"Or, we could change ourflights to Sunday night."
My mother blinks at him.He shrugs.
"I just thought that sinceRory had to cut her spring break short, it wouldn't kill her toenjoy a few days vacation.We're already here," he shrugsagain.
I'm surprised by theexcitement I feel at the idea.My mother looks between Sam andme.
"I—uh, I really do have alot of work to catch up on.I can't stay three more days," my momsays.
"So don't stay," I reply,surprising myself again.From the corner of my eye I watch Sam tryto fight his smirk.
My mother narrows hereyes."So you're suggesting I leave my teenage daughter alone inMiami with her boyfriend?"
"It's not like we're goingto do anything here we wouldn't do at home," I retort, before myhand flies to my mouth.
I'm getting way to openwith my mother.
Sam cracks up with laughterbefore my mother's censuring look stifles it for him.
"I don't have anywhere tobe.I could get used to this free hotel room thing," Chip murmurs.That's the thing about Miami in June.A great deal on a hotel roomprice turned into zero price.At least for Sam.
My mother glares at Chip,but her lip curls up into a mildly amused smile."You know I'vealways adored you, Franklin, but forgive me if you're not exactlyan ideal chaperone."
Chip shrugs, sipping hissoda as if he couldn't care less either way.
"I'm eighteen, mom.May Iremind you I'm going to college in a couple of months?"She knowswhat I'm saying.What's the difference between hotel rooms and dormrooms—or in Sam's case, an Upper West Side apartment?
Sam and I are adults, welove each other, and even though we haven't actually had sex sincewe got back together, she must know we're not going to be celibate.Particularly since she knows we've slept together before.Iconfided as much to her on our last flight home fromMiami.
I stare at hermeaningfully, imploring her to support me on this.If anyonedeserves a few days vacation with her boyfriend, it's me, isn'tit?
My mom stares back.She'sactually considering me.
I try a little sincerity."We'll be okay.I… I'd really like to stay."
My mother pushes her chairback, flinging her napkin onto the table."Well, Rory, like yousaid, you're eighteen.I suppose you're old enough to make your ownchoices, and I suppose I'll have to trust yourjudgment."
Holy shit.
She takes a step towardthe restroom, but pauses."But, Sam, as much as I like you, youshould know, if you do anything to hurt my daughter, it won't bejail you have to worry about."
Sam's eyes widen and hechokes on his soda.My mother just threatened him.Chip chucklesloudly.
"Oh, and Rory, this countsas your graduation present," she adds, before walkingaway.
I stare at Samincredulously.
"Did your momjust—"
"Yup."
Sam leans over and kissesme deeply.Chip coughs exaggeratedly.
