“You can’t blame him for defending himself.”
“No. Or the rest of us for getting involved.”
“As long as no one was hurt.”
“Milo has a black eye, but that’s it. The rest of those guys went down pretty quick. They were all talk. And we really tried to walk away. Even after Milo shoved him back, he told him to knock it off. He didn’t come out swinging.”
“But the other guy did.”
“Yup. And you know Milo—tall, skinny and hasn’t quite grown into his body yet. So he looks kind of wimpy.”
“I take it he’s not.”
“Oh nooo. He’s tough as nails. And that guy learned a hard lesson.”
“No charges were filed, right?”
“Right. But it’s all over the news.”
“It’ll blow over.”
“Let’s hope.”
“Well, I miss you.”
“I miss you too. Anyway, I have to get going but I’ll call you later. This is a travel day and I think there’s a team dinner tonight where Coach will yell at us some more.”
I laugh. “That’s why you make the big bucks!”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
We disconnect and I put my phone in my pocket. I just got out of class and am heading to work. It’s going to be a busy week as my boss is taking a few days off and I have to be in the store every day, including my days off. The money will be good but I’ll be exhausted by Sunday and then I start off the next week behind the eight ball.
The only good thing is that this happened on a week when Jordan is traveling so I wouldn’t have been able to spend time with him anyway. Hopefully, we’ll make up for that when he gets back.
I’ve just gotten to the mall when my phone rings, and I see my mom’s name on the screen.
“Hey, Mom.” I answer, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder.
“What time are you home tonight?” she asks.
“Not until around ten. Why?”
She sighs. “I’m not feeling great, and your sister has her real estate class. I was hoping you could help with Charlie.”
“I’m sorry. But my boss is out of town so I’m closing tonight.”
She sighs again. “I wish you didn’t work so much.”
“If I didn’t work, I wouldn’t be able to pay for my car.”
“You didn’t need a new car,” she huffs. “I could have driven you back and forth to school.”
“Mom, I’m sorry you’re under the weather, but I need to work. I’m twenty-two years old. I have to have money of my own, without asking my parents.”
