I’m disgusted with myself that I swear when frustrated just like the rest of them. I shake my head and walk around him. Hitching my bag up yet again, I walk toward the main entrance and outside into the now darkness.
Mitch follows me all the way to the parking lot, but when I stop at the side of my car, I lift a hand to stop him. “You’re not invited to my home for dinner.”
It’s like I punched him in the face. “Abby Cadabby.”
“And I’m not coming to yours. You can walk home, or call one of the guys. Or you can sleep here. I don’t care. You’re on shift in the morning anyway.”
I beep my car and open the door.
“Ab.” Mitch jumps forward. His face is pale, his eyes burning. We don’t fight. Ever. Not the kind where we part with bad blood and hurting hearts. “I wanna come with you.”
“I want to be alone. For just one night, I want to feel like a grownup.”
“I’m sorry.” He stands on the other side of the car and leans on the roof. “I’m sorry, Ab. I just want to keep you safe.”
“Maybe he’s right,” I ponder. “Maybe I am in a controlling relationship. I wouldn’t call it abusive, and I know you love me, but you guys are demanding and controlling. You stand over me so I never see the sun, which means I never get the chance to bloom.” I swipe a hand over my cheek. “Everyone needs to see the sun, Mitchell.”
“Abby,” his voice cracks. “I’m sorry.”
I nod and try to firm my shaking lips. “I know you are.”
I slide into my seat and close the door. Because I know him so well, I lock all the doors just a second before he tries to open his side.
I open the passenger window and wait for him to bend down. “I’ll come over tomorrow, okay? Everything is fine. Everything will go back to normal soon. But for tonight, I need space to breathe.”
“You’ll call me if you need me, right?”
I nod and give a small smile. “Always do. Love your guts.”
His light eyes sparkle as he nods and backs up. “Love you too, kiddo. But if you don’t call at oh-six-hundred, I’m coming for you.”