I sit up straighter. “What do you mean you’re going on a date?”
We’re at a stoplight when August looks at me and mouths,date?I shrug and shake my head.
“I met this handsome gentleman after leaving thelawyer’s office. I didn’t see a ring on his finger after he asked me out to dinner. I’m single now. I can do what I want.”
“Do you think that’s smart? Can you, like, get in trouble for that or something? Doesn’t it look bad?”
August nods, smothering a laugh.
“It’s just for fun. Anyway, can you talk to your father about the boat?”
“Mom, I shouldn’t?—”
“Honey, I need to go. Let me know what he says. Love you, bye.”
Before I can say bye, she hangs up the phone. When I look at the screen, all I see is my reflection.
“Love you too, I guess.”
“She’s going on a date?” August wastes no time asking the question. “Who with?”
“Some random guy she met after meeting with her lawyer. She’s insane.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
“I mean, how dumb can someone be to go on a date while you’re in the middle of a divorce? It’s like she has no shame.”
“She doesn’t.”
I sit back in the seat and cross my arms.
“Need me to do anything to cheer you up?”
I could go for some ice cream, but I know I shouldn’t stay any longer with August alone. I’m afraid of what can come of it if I linger around him.
“No, it’s okay. I just need to go home and get some sleep. I can feel a headache starting to form on top of my head.” I massage my temples, hoping to ease the pain coming my way.
“I’m sorry.” August takes a right turn onto my blockbefore pulling up to my apartment that sits above the town's coffee shop, Sip-Sip-Hurray.
“Don’t be. It’s the same shit I always deal with. I’ve become numb to it.”
“Doesn’t mean you should put up with it.” August rubs his eye, hitting his glasses.
“I know. I’ve already gotten a lecture from Hailey. I don’t need another one.” I pick up my bag from the ground and open the car door. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime. You sure there’s nothing I can do to help?”
“Not unless you wanna give me a lobotomy." I close the door, grin, and turn toward my front door. “Night, August.”
EIGHT
RILEY
Mom: What are you doing today?
Me: Probably sleep. It’s my day off.
Mom: Can you meet for lunch?
