Not that I might have a say in the matter with my father coming around many times now, far too many times. He’s a loose cannon, and that he said he might need me for something…
If I can save my mom y going with him, maybe I should. If it comes down to it, I will but not for him. For her. She's found happiness, just like Erika did, and I am so happy with both of them.
My own happiness doesn't matter, not compared to those two and not compared to the guys either. It's because of the guys, more than anything, that I haven't already agreed to help my father so my mom can be spared, but how exactly I can help him, I don't know.
And I sure hope I never know.
* * *
Work is, well, work. It’s the first shift I don’t work alongside Cherise, and the other waitresses seem nice enough.
By the time three o’clock rolls around for when Rob’s supposed to come over, I’m muttering curses under my breath. One of my business courses is giving me fits, but I’ll figure it out.
There’s a knock at the door.
“Come on in, handsome,” I call.
The door opens, and Rob grins. “You ready?”
“Sure.”
“Bring it,” he says. “Actually, give it to me, and you can ride us over.”
“Um, no. Not ready for that.”
“No? Why not? You can’t learn if you don’t actually ride one.”
“I know, but I haven’t even had time to look over the manual to get a permit yet.”
“Trust me. Learning through experience is best.”
“Um, I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to get the permit first and then start to ride.”
“Well, yes, if you want to follow the rules.”
I laugh and shake my head. “In certain areas, I do prefer to follow the rules.”
“But not in all areas.”
“No, not in all,” I murmur my agreement.
“Fine. I’ll ride us over, but try to pay attention to what I’m doing with brakes, gear shifts, and all of that.”
“Because looking around you is going to be easy,” I point out.
“Well, you could sit up front. Put your feet on the crash bar.”
“Maybe on the ride back,” I say.
“Don’t be a coward.”
“Don’t be too forceful.”
“I would have thought you would appreciate a push outside the box.”
“So long as I don’t end up flat on my back.”
He chuckles. “Is that such a bad thing?”