“Yes.” He nods.
“Are youpositive?”
“Go,” Ellie shouts when she and Rowan turn, going in the opposite direction.
“I’ll see you guys soon,” August gently rests his hand on my neck to guide me to his car.
I lean my head on the car window while August drives me home. It’s been a quiet ride, and although we haven’t said anything to each other, there’s no uncomfortable tension. It’s the kind of silence that you can sit in and not feel forced to have a conversation.
Stars light up the night sky, and I can almost see the craters on the moon with how bright it is. I love nights like these. It’s sort of serene, and although I would never admit this aloud, I’m enjoying spending it with August next to me.
My eyes start to drift shut when I feel my butt vibrating. Three buzzes in a row indicate that it’s Mom. How sad that I’ve had to create a specific sound to indicate it's her? I should probably change that, considering it makes my blood pressure shoot up each time.
My parents’ divorce is dredging up past struggles I’ve dealt with. And those struggles led me to August. My safe space. Now, all I think about is the last day we were together before I pushed him away.
Those words that have haunted me for eleven years.
“I want you more than just a friend, Riley.”
“Who is it?” August asks.
I let out a tired sigh. “My mom.”
“You gonna answer it?”
I stare at the lit-up screen. There’s no photo of Mom, just her name scrolling across the screen.
“If I don’t answer it now, she’ll just call again,” I mumble before answering. “Hey mom.”
“Hi, sweetie.” Mom’s voice is chipper. “How’s my favorite daughter doing?”
August gives me a sympathetic smile because that’s allhe can give me. I could suggest he throw my phone in the ocean for me. If I do it, I’ll feel guilty until I get a new one.
“I’m fine. What’s up?”
“Have you talked to your father lately?”
My head tips back in annoyance because, of course, that’s why she’s calling. Sometimes I wish she’d call just to talk to me about anything else. I’m not sure why I keep expecting that from her when I know it’s not going to happen.
“A little bit,” I mutter.
“Has he said anything about the boat? I haven’t heard from his lawyer.”
I clench my teeth. “I haven’t heard anything about it. I don’t talk to him about this stuff.”
“Tell him that he can keep the boat. But I want half of his 401k.”
“Mom.” My tone is exasperated. “Isn’t that what your lawyers are for?”
She clicks her tongue. “Of course it’s their job. I just thought that maybe you would hear from him sooner than I’d hear from my lawyer. I know he wants to keep it.”
“Fine. I’ll ask him, but don’t expect me to get anything out of him.”
The sound of shuffling comes from the other end of the line. Then heavy footsteps and doors opening and closing.
“Mom, what are you doing?”
“I’m getting ready for a date.”
