I couldn’t agree with him because I don’t think our mom deserves better. She’s made her choices all these years and they’re always the same. I’ve lost count of how many rude drunken assholes my mom’s hooked up with. Owendoesn’t see it because I’ve sheltered him from the endless stream of boyfriends as much as possible.
“Did Mom get mad at you?”
“She didn’t say a word, but the guy threatened to kick my ass if I back-talked him again.”
“Holy crap,” I murmur, briefly closing my eyes. This is why I shouldn’t have left. I’ve been gone not even three full days and everything’s already falling apart. “I hope to God he didn’t lay a hand on you, or I’m calling the cops.”
“Pfft.” Thirteen-year-olds think they’re invincible and my brother is no exception. “Like he could touch me. I’d kick his ass first.”
“I should come home.” Panic rises inside me. I know everything can spiral out of control real quick when I’m not around. What Owen’s telling me only proves it. “I’ll hop on the bus or a train or whatever and come home tonight if you need me.”
“What about those bratty kids you’re taking care of? You can’t just ditch your job.”
“I can if you’re in trouble. No job is more important than family.” I glance around, watching the beautiful people glide past me. It’s cold, fog still lingering though it’s high, more like clouds, and the sidewalk is crowded with both locals and tourists. It doesn’t take a genius to tell them apart.
“Stay there and earn all that extra money I’m sure we’ll be needing.” He lowers his voice and I hear a shout in the distance, probably one of his punk friends. God, they were probably all hanging out at our apartment and eating all our food. “Mom lost her job.”
My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach. She worked part-time in a parts store at a local dealership for minimum wage. Nothing major, but we need every last dime she makes. This money from Drew is only going to last for a little while, especially now that she’s unemployed. “Great. When did this happen?”
“This morning. She texted me and let me know. Said she’s going to stay the night at Larry’s.”
“So you’ll spend the night alone.” Hell, no! The last thing I want to happen.
“I’m going over to Wade’s house, so don’t worry. I’ll spend the night there.” The words come out so breezily the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
He’s lying, I can tell. I’m so damn good at reading the kid I should be his mother. “You better. I’ll call Wade’s house later tonight to check on you.”
“Gimme a break, Fable. What, you can’t trust me?” He’s whining, sounding again like the little brother I remember. Another sign he’s lying.
“Nope, not when I’m out of town.” My cell beeps,indicating I have a text message, and I pull the phone away from my ear to check it real quick.
It’s from Drew. And it’s only one word.
Marshmallow.
Crap.
“Hey, I gotta go, but I’m calling you later tonight and I’m going to talk to Wade’s mother. To make sure you’re okay and doing your homework and whatever else you need to do.”
“Fable, that is such bull—”
“ ’Bye.” I hang up before Owen pisses me off more and I immediately text Drew back.
I can’t come rescue you if I don’t know where you are.
My heart is beating way too hard after I send that text. This is the first time Drew used the “marshmallow” code word and I’m worried about him. Yesterday was all about hanging out at the house. I spent the entire afternoon at the beach when Drew and his dad went and golfed at a course not too far from the house. There are a ton of amazing golf courses there, Drew explained to me, not that I really cared. I think golf’s boring, but I guess Adele went with them even though she doesn’t play. She probably chased after them on the golf cart the entire time.
Sunday-night dinner had been a study in weirdness. Adele tried to talk to Drew, constantly asking him reallypersonal questions while virtually ignoring me. His dad, oblivious to the strange vibe, kept pace with a constant full glass of wine and was slurring his words by the end of the night.
I gladly escaped right after the meal, claiming I was tired from midterms and all those papers I had to write, which was a complete lie since I don’t go to college. Drew pled the same case. We both went back to the guesthouse and to our respective rooms. I’d been so tired I thought I would instantly fall asleep, but I didn’t. I lay awake for over an hour, thinking about Drew and the crazy family dynamics he has going on here.
My phone beeps and I glance at the screen.
At a restaurant at Sixth and Ocean. I need to get out of here. I’ll wait outside for you.
Looks like I need to go rescue my fake boyfriend from his overbearing father.
Drew
