“You must find a real sense ofblisshelping others. How noble of him to approve of such a lowly job.”
My body stiffens at the odd word choice. Bliss. Does he know? Has he said anything to my mother? My stomach twists in knots and I feel like I’m going to be sick.
“Ignore him,” Roxy says harshly. “He’s just being a dickhead.”
“Language,” my mother and Calvin say in unison.
The rest of the dinner continues just as tensely, and I’m counting down the minutes until I can get the hell out of here. The first thing I plan to do is look for a cheap ass apartment. There’s no way I’m staying here, and with the tension between me and Ezra at the moment, I don’t see his place as an option. And then there’s Roxy. An option that wouldn't be bad, if we didn’t have the history between us that we do.
I place my fork on my plate and lift the glass of water to my face, taking small sips. None of which is easing the turmoil that I’m feeling.
“Are you okay, Felicity?” My mom reaches out, placing her hand on mine, squeezing softly.
“No, suddenly I'm not feeling very well.” It’s partly true. I do feel sick, just not from the food.
“You do look a little flushed. I knew you were working too hard between work and school. Calvin is right, you moving in here and quitting that job is for the best.”
No! Definitely not.
That would be the worst thing I could do.
“No, I was just packing yesterday and didn’t eat, then I babysat last night. I just need some food and rest. You’ve given me the nourishment now. I think I’m going to head home and get some rest.”
“I don’t know if we want you driving, Felicity. Your room is all ready for you, and you are moving here in the next couple days. We can go ahead and kick that up to tonight,” Calvin tells me more than suggests.
I don’t like that!
“What a perfect idea. I can show you to your room now and you can rest.” My mom is all smiles, and I have to bite my lip to keep from screaming.
“No, really, I’m fine to drive home. I’ll even message you when I get there. All I want is my bed and pillow. Besides, I have school tomorrow and my books are there.” I slide the chair back from the table, not leaving any room for them to continue with the coercion.
“I’ll walk out with you.” Roxy pushes her chair back and stands, making her way over to me.
“Felicity—”
“Honestly Calvin, it’s fine. I just really want to be in my own bed tonight. Thank you for dinner.”
“Two days, Felicity. I expect to see you here, fully moved in.” His voice is harsh and demanding as his eyes bear down on me.
Who does he think he is? He can’t just order me around? And why is my mother allowing it?
“I’ll be more than happy to help you move in any boxes, neighbor,” Harry adds, a sinister grin on his face.
“Uh-huh.” That's all I can say before I’m rushing out of the dining room. The only thing on my mind is getting my jacket and purse and getting the fuck out of here.
I’ve just pulled my jacket off the rack and slipped it on when Roxy steps up behind me.
“I tried to call and warn you when your mom showed me a picture of you,” she whispers. “I didn’t want you to be blindsided.”
“Like I just was.” It’s harsh and uncalled for, but I still shove my frustration—or is it anger—onto her.
“I mean it, though. There’s an extra room at my place. It’ll be better than living here with the newlyweds and the other psycho.”
As much as I hate it, she does have a point. But I need to try and talk to Ezra before I make any decisions. I make good money and could afford an apartment on my own, but I’m so used to living with someone, I don’t know what it would be like being completely alone.
“I’m sorry about snapping at you.” I don’t turn around, not wanting to face her. “I’ll think about your offer.”
Chapter 19
