“That means more to me than you realize. Thanks, Mike.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “Anything I can do to help, you just let me know.”
I felt loved again, like I had friends again. I didn’t know what the fuck I did to deserve these people in my life. But I was determined not to fuck it up again. We all rushed into school and the girls darted off to go to homeroom. And Mike? Well, he did exactly as he said he would. He escorted me to my locker and stood guard while I stashed the wads of cash I had on my person. I placed it under a stack of books and shoved it all the way back. I piled some shit in front of it before grabbing my books. Then I slammed my locker closed and booked it to homeroom, getting there just before the late bell rang.
And as I dropped into my seat, I felt all eyes on me.
Even though people kept giving me funny looks, it felt good for things to be returning to normal. Well, not really normal. But a sort-of-kind-of normal. School felt familiar. Mike and Aly felt familiar. Rae felt very familiar. And I needed familiar in my life right now. I needed something I could count on. Depend on. Lean on.
Even if that ‘something’ was school.
The one thing on this planet I hated more than my own father.
My phone kept vibrating in class, so I turned it on silent. But the vibrations were good. People were snatching up these things I was selling left and right. If I could get Mike to drop me off at my house, I had the potential to make another seven grand before tonight was over. That had me smiling all throughout the morning. I had a pep in my step and slowly, things felt less and less overwhelming. I had money in a bank account my father couldn't touch. I had a little over fifteen grand in checks and cash in my locker, waiting to be deposited. And if I could get my hands on one last decent sale, I’d be set for a while.
At least, until I got back on my feet again after graduation.
I liked this kind of normal. The kind where Mike waved at me in the hallways and Rae rushed up to kiss me between classes. Roy and Marina weren’t aimlessly laughing at stupid jokes and trying to rile me up over dumb, useless shit. This reality was much better. I had friends that gave a shit. I had my girl back. I had money coming in to help me once my father abandoned me for good.
And this time, I wouldn't fuck it up.
Or let someone else fuck it up, either.
I’m all in, Rae. One hundred percent.
The bell for lunch rang and I rushed to the cafeteria. I found Mike already sitting down with his food tray while Aly unpacked their lunchbox. I waved at them before hopping in the food line, finding myself standing behind Rae. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around. And very quickly, I captured her lips.
“Mmm, hello there.”
I grinned. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Ahem.”
The lunch lady cleared her throat and she blushed. Which pulled a smile across my cheeks. We walked through the line and got our lunch. I even had the cashier charge Rae’s lunch to my account. Despite her protests, I did it anyway, winking at her as we picked up our trays. We walked over to were Mike and Aly were already cuddled up, smiling as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
As I sat my tray down, I leaned over to whisper in Rae’s ear. “Is that what we look like?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. But if it is, I don’t mind it one bit.”
I smiled. “Neither do I.”
I kissed the top of her head before we sat down with them. Mike and Aly paid us no mind. Which didn’t bother me one bit. They deserved some time with one another, just like Rae deserved some time with me. So as I picked at my pathetic hamburger, I turned my attention to the beautiful girl sitting next to me.
“So are you free tonight?”
Rae sighed dramatically. “No, I have to work.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “You sound overly thrilled at the idea.”
“Really? Should I try that sigh again?”
And before I could stop her, she sighed and leaned against me. She placed the back of her hand against her forehead, causing me to chuckle. Wrapping my arm around her, I kissed the top of her head again. I breathed in the smell of her conditioner, letting it pull me back to the memories of last night. This morning. Memories of having her whenever I wanted her and making love to her every waking moment she’d let me.
I held her close as she rested her head against my shoulder.
“I wish I was free, though. I’m having to close again tonight.”
I nodded softly. “Well, that’s all right. I’ll come visit you.”