“I’ll ask my dad,” I say quickly.
“Great! Text me.”
She walks off, and I’m left standing there with my books clutched to my chest and my heart racing.
For the rest of the day, I’m visualizing talking to my dad. How I’m going to approach him, what I’ll say, the attitude and tone I’ll have. My mind’s toast by the time I get home, but I build up the nerve. Now I just need to wait for the right time.
My dad’s in the living room watching TV.
“Dad?”
He doesn’t look up. “Yeah.”
“Can I go to Elle’s tonight? She’s having people over.”
“No.”
I blink. “What?”
“No.”
“But—”
He looks at me now. “I said no, Lily.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re still grounded.”
I keep myself from sighing. “For how long?”
He shrugs and turns back to the TV.
“Dad.”
“Lily.”
“Are you saying no because I’m grounded, or no like... ever?”
He looks at me again. Mocks my tone. “Like ever.”
I feel my face heat, so I turn toward my room.
“Lily.”
I stop. “Yes?”
“You’re watching Zinnia tonight. I’ll be gone for a while. Don’t wait up.”
“Okay.” I nod.
He nods once.
I walk to my room and text Elle.
Me: Can’t come over. Sorry.
Elle: Boo.
