We arrive back in the school parking lot where Pia has her car. I’ll be driving that one too. I’m a little concerned about handing over the keys to Becca. I’m sure she’d still register as being over the limit if she gets pulled.
“I’m not happy leaving you to drive home.”
Becca pulls out her phone. “I’ll call a cab. My dad can pick the car up later.”
“Good. Okay then. I guess we’ll see each other on Monday.” I’m addressing everyone in the car, but really I’m talking to Sloane, who finally looks at me.
She smiles. “See you.”
Pia sits up front, while Todd lounges in the back seat already half asleep. “Am I dropping you both off at your place?” I ask.
“Nope, take Todd home and then I’m coming over to yours. We need to talk.”
Should’ve seen that coming. Pia is like a hawk. No doubt she spotted something between me and Sloane.
As soon as Todd is safely home, Pia rounds on me. “What happened between you and Sloane? And don’t even think of lying to me!”
“First, I’d like to chat about the stunt you pulled to get me there last night, P.”
“Yeah, okay. I messed up, Eden. I should have told you it was a sleepover.”
“Yeah, you should.”
“But in my defence, if I hadn’t told a little lie, you wouldn’t have gone. Then whatever happened between you and Sloane would never have happened.”
“True. But you know that shit doesn’t fly with me, P. We don’t lie to each other, and we certainly don’t put one another in circumstances that make them uncomfortable.”
At least she has the decency to look ashamed. I don’t want to hammer on all day. I’ve said my piece, and that’s that.
Reaching over, she takes my hand. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
We pull up to my house and stagger out. I’m bone tired. The social interaction of the past twelve hours has drained my battery. I need a quiet room and my duvet.
Mum is in the kitchen drinking coffee. Dad is cooking pancakes, which he does every weekend.
“Morning, girls,” Mum says as we enter. “Have a good night?” She’s looking at Pia with a grin.
“Some more than others,” I say. “P needs a few litres of water and some food.”
“Alright, Mom,” Pia scoffs. Mum and Dad laugh.
“Pancakesare served. Tuck in.”
Mum spends the entire time grilling us about our night. I’ll talk to her about Sloane later. Pia is practically vibrating with the need to get the gossip.
“We’re going to chill with a couple of movies. Call if you need me to do anything.”
Mum smiles and kisses me on the head. “We’re nipping to the store in a minute. I’ll grab some chocolate.”
“Ah, you’re the actual best, Mrs S,” Pia sighs happily.
“You’re welcome, Pia. Do your parents know where you are?”
“Yeah. But they’re still out of town.”
I see the soft look Mum gives my best friend. Pia plays off her parents’ absence, but we see through it. She gets lonely, which is why Mum and Dad welcome her here whenever she wants.
“Where is the she-devil?” Obviously, we all know I’m referring to Jenna. I can’t smell sulphur, so I’ll guess she’s out.
