Chapter Fourteen
I’ve been waiting what seems like forever for Navarro. Curled in his bed in one of his tees, I hug his pillow and wait. Every time I hear a vehicle I run to the window and look for him. Each time disappointment fills me when he doesn’t appear.
I don’t want to bug him or get him in trouble with the club by calling and texting. I hoped he’d be home by now.
I stare at the clock once more. It’s well past midnight. I didn’t get my New Year kiss when the clock struck twelve.
I kick the covers off and pace his room in the dark. My cell phone buzzes with a call from my mother. I’m tempted to let it go to voicemail but what if it’s important. My mom is never up this late even for a holiday.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Baby, where are you? Are you okay? I’m losing my mind with worry.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’ve been by Brodix’s house and you’re not there. I came back home hoping I somehow missed you.”
I could try another lie, but if I want her to start loosening those apron strings, I need to be honest with her. “Before you get mad just listen.”
“All right.”
“I found myself in a not so good situation with Brodix, and I accidentally dialed Navarro. I didn’t know I called him but thankfully I did. He heard the not so great things Brodix was saying and trying to do to me and he came and got me. I’m at his apartment. He’s not here or anything. He went back to the clubhouse. I was afraid you’d be mad at me for lying about there being parents at the party.”
“Text me his address. I’m coming to get you.”
“I’m okay, you don’t need to get back out. Its late and I don’t want you to wake up Keisha or anything. You can come get me in the morning.”
“Sweetheart…it’s not that. And though you’re right normally I’d probably be pissed I’m just really glad you’re safe and okay. No one slipped you anything? You didn’t drink anything that tasted funny?”
“Mom…why are you asking me…” my thoughts shift away from Nav and being in trouble. “Sheena? Is she okay?”
“You’re the one who called 911.” it isn’t a question.
“Nav told me to call and then we left. Is she okay?” I’m a terrible friend. I haven’t even called to check on her. I’ve been so caught up with Navarro and wondering where he is.
“No, baby. I don’t want to do this on the phone. Are you sure Nav’s not there?”
“I swear it. He got called to the club. What’s happened to Sheena? Please, Mom.” Tears rolls down my cheeks plopping onto the pillow as I sit back on the bed and squeeze it to my chest wanting to scream.
“I don’t like you being alone.”
“Sheena’s okay, isn’t she? She’s going to be fine. I called and they said they were sending help.”
“Oh, Kimber. Her mother called me asking if you were together. The police were there it’s…I don’t know how to say this. Honey, you tried. You did the right thing. There was nothing they could do. By the time they got there she had stopped breathing. They tried Narcan but it wasn’t enough.”
“What do you—you’re saying…oh god.” I cry and sink further into the mattress wishing it would swallow me up.
“I’m coming to get you.”
“No. I want Nav.”
“You need to be with family right now.”
“I love him, Mom. I know you think he’s too old for me and you worry, but I swear I’m not being dumb.”
“I could tell you no and push you away, but I’m not going to do that. I know I raised a smart, beautiful girl. You’re eighteen and it’s time I treat you like it. I’m not saying I’m okay with this relationship. He’s too old for you and I don’t want to crush you by saying I don’t see this going anywhere good. You know my thoughts, but I’d rather you be honest with me and not believe you have to sneak and lie. I’m willing to give you the space you need to figure things out. To make your own choices. Mistakes or not. You have me, okay?”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re still grounded. We can talk about it tomorrow.”
I sniffle. “Okay.”
“Are you sure I can’t come get you?”
“I’ll be fine once Nav gets back. I promise.”
“I love you, Kimber. Never forget that, okay?”