“Now slowly take your foot off the brake and put it on the gas pedal.”
Moving my foot to the gas, I press down like I did for the brake, and we take off through the parking lot.
“Slow down!” Jackson yells.
My foot slams on the brake, and we lurch forward.
“Rumor, what the hell?”
“You said to press on the gas!”
“Not all the way down! You only press down a little. You don’t gun it.”
“You didn’t explain that.” I put it in park. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“You’re giving up? Already?”
“I’m not giving up. I’m just not ready to do this.”
“So you want to stay stuck in that house while your cousins go out and do what they want?”
I sigh. “Okay, what’s next?”
“Try it again but this time just barely touch the gas pedal.”
On my second try, I’m able to steadily make my way through the parking lot before gently pressing down on the brake to stop us.
“How was that?” I ask.
“Really good. You catch on fast.”
“It was your comment about my freedom. For a minute I forgot why I was doing this. Now I’m thinking about how badly I want out of Brock’s house.” I look at Jackson. “Where do I get one of those books with driving rules? I want to start studying tonight.”
“They have the manual online at the DMV website.”
“What else do I need to get a license?”
“You’ll need to fill out an application and have Brock sign it.”
“Brock? Why would he have to sign it?”
“Because you’re only seventeen. You’re a minor. A parent or guardian has to sign the application.”
“That won’t work. I don’t want him finding out about this.”
“You said he wanted you to get your license.”
“He did at first, but now he’s acting like he doesn’t want me leaving the house.”
“I’m sure he’d be good with you getting a license. It means he doesn’t have to drive you everywhere.”
“What if I ask my dad to sign it?”
His brows rise. “You know where he is?”
“He’s in rehab but I don’t know which one.” I pause. “You know about my dad, right?”
“Yeah. My dad’s in the business. I know all that celebrity shit, or I used to when I lived with my parents.”
