“You’re excited about tonight, aren’t you?”
I nodded. “I am, yes. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen him. You know, because of work and stuff.”
“Well, you take your time tonight, okay? No need to rush back home.”
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it.”
I felt her hands pause. “He’s a good boy, right?”
He’s better than D.J. “Yes, ma’am. He’s a good boy. The best of boys.”
“Good. That’s very good.”
I opened my eyes and watched her in the mirror. I saw the worry in her face, but I didn’t know what to say in order to get her to calm down. So, I didn’t say anything at all. I let her put my hair up into a half ponytail, with my hair pouring down past my shoulders. She fluffed the remains of it out then hugged me from behind, settling her chin against my shoulder.
“You got a ride over there?”
I shrugged. “Figured I’d walk. Or ride my bike.”
“Well, I can drive you. D.J. said I could borrow his car while he watches the game.”
I nodded. “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that.”
“Let me just get my purse and we’ll head out. I’m doing the food run while D.J. stays here.”
The two of us made our way out of my bedroom and down the stairs. And even though I peered into our living room and saw that sorry sack of shit sitting on our couch, he didn’t even acknowledge my presence. He didn’t look at me. He didn't say ‘hi’ to me. He didn’t say anything about my outfit or ask me where I was going. Not that I’d want to tell him anyway. But, still.
Dick.
Mom tapped my on my shoulder. “I’ll be right back with food, D.J.”
He nodded mindlessly. “Sounds good.”
“I’m gonna drop Rae off for the night, then go get it.”
“Uh huh.”
“You want anything else tacked onto your regular order?”
“Not if it gets you out the door quicker.”
I wanted to punch him in his nutsack. But Mom simply giggled. She laughed at him. Like he was making some sort of a joke.
“Be back soon, sweetheart.”
D.J. nodded. “Uh huh.”
What an absolute asshole.
We made our way out to D.J.’s car and I quickly slipped in. I wanted to get away from this house, and fast. Even if I couldn't stay over at Clint’s for the night, I’d end up at Allison’s. Because I sure as hell wasn’t coming back home until D.J. left.
I pointed. “Take a right here.”
“On it.”
I talked Mom all the way to Clint’s house and she whistled lowly to herself. I saw her staring up at the massive mansion, her eyes widening as we parked in the roundabout driveway. I unbuckled my seatbelt. I leaned over and kissed her, thanking her for the ride.
Mom winked at me. “My daughter really knows how to snag ‘em.”