Justin
I was right.He was sitting at the kitchen table when I went in there to grab some breakfast. He was poised, ready for an argument and I abandoned the search for food. There’s no way in hell I’m going to give him the chance to pick up our argument again. I grab my keys off the hook and leave the house as soon as possible. I will not allow him to ruin my day. I’m going to go to work, do my job, and go see Audrey. That’s all that’s on my agenda today. And if he calls me while I’m at her house this evening…I’ll put my phone on silent. Or turn it off.
My statement of moving out last night wasn’t an idle threat. It’s something I’ve thought about for a while. It’s why I haven’t really minded working these crazy hours over the summer. I’m saving up for that reason. But I don’t want to do anything without talking to Audrey first.
I’m already sweating when I get in my car. It’s going to be one of those days, and I hope like hell I’m not going to be in the warehouse all day. The plus side, it’s likely to be peaceful. Not very many people my age willingly work the weekend hours. That’s fine with me. I don’t have time or energy to deal with stupid people. Case in point, my dad standing at the window as I back out of the driveway. Staying away from home as long as possible today is definitely my goal. Too bad Audrey’s parents aren’t cool enough to let me stay the night. I’d even sleep on the floor in the living room. Hell, I’d sleep in the driveway in my car if it meant not having to deal with my dad. I long for the relationships Audrey and Tiffany have with their parents. To be able to talk to Dad about anything without him jumping down my throat would be a freaking miracle. One day I hope we can have that, but I don’t know if it will ever happen.
It takes me less than ten minutes to get to work. My stomach growls as I pull into a parking spot. I should have stopped to get food. I had time, but my thoughts took over and I was in autopilot. Only eight hours until I get to see my girl. Only eight hours until she’s my only focus. I want to make it special for her. I fire off a text to Tiffany to help me set something up. I’m not expecting a response any time soon. If I know her, she’s still asleep, but I know she’ll be willing to help.
My car door opens and I jump. Audrey’s smiling face is in front of me holding two bags of food. “I freaking love you.” It’s the only thing I can say as my stomach growls again. I don’t have to go inside for another ten minutes. “Get in.”
She leans down and kisses me before running around to the other side of the car and slides into the passenger seat. “From the sound of your message it sounded like your night was hell, so I figured I’d do something to brighten up your day.” How in the world did I find a girl who is genuinely good? And why can’t anyone else see that past her shy personality?
“You being here did that. Food or no food.” It’s corny, I know, but it’s also true. She’s the bright spot in my day, always. She makes being around my dad bearable.
“Well, I’m happy I could do that.” She opens one of the bags and hands me a sausage biscuit. “Mom made it this morning. I was going to bring you donuts, but you can see what she thought about that.”
“I love your mom.” The food is delicious and exactly what I needed.
“You better not love her more than me,” she laughs. “She is pretty great, though.” She grabs my free hand and slips her fingers between mine. “What time do you get off work today?”
“Four,” I grimace around another bite. “I’m not even going home after I get off. I’m heading straight to your house.”
“Things went that horribly?” She knows it did, but she’s too sweet to say anything else.
“Yeah,” I sigh. She hands me the bag of bacon. “I wish I understood what his problem is, but that’s never going to happen. I did tell him I would move out if I had to.”
“You did what?” She shrieks. “You can’t move out.”
“Why not?” Seriously, why does she think it’s such a horrible idea. “I’m eighteen and can take care of myself. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t do the same thing if you were in my position.”
“Maybe,” she shrugs. “But it’ll be hard keeping up an apartment, going to school, and working.”
“I have money saved up.” I still don’t understand why she isn’t on board with the idea. It’s the perfect solution and it would provide us a place to hang out alone. A place for her to get away whenever she needs it.
“Yeah, but that should stay saved up. What if you need it when we leave for college?” She has a point. “I know Hilltown isn’t in a huge city, but things are definitely more expensive there than they are here. Just think it over a little bit longer.”
“Okay.” She doesn’t know I’ve been thinking about it for ages. It’s fine though. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. I glance at the clock on my radio, “oh shit. I need to go in before I’m late.”
Before she gets out of the car, she pulls me closer and gives me a quick kiss. “I’ll see you later, and don’t make any hasty decisions.”
“I won’t.” I kiss her this time. “I’ll see you when I get off.”
Without another word she’s out of my car and heading toward her own. Even though she wasn’t as excited about the prospect of me getting my own place as I thought she would be, her making the effort to make sure my day started out well speaks volumes.
* * *
“Where did Tiff and Stella go?” Audrey asks. She’s leaning on my shoulder while we watch a movie. She somehow talked me into watching a cartoon movie. As much as I tried to protest it, I’m not to upset about it. There’s something about watching movies from your childhood that transports you back to that time. That reminds you about the simpler times when you were carefree and enjoyed the little things.
“I don’t know.” I shrug and her head slips the tiniest bit. They’ve been gone longer than I anticipated. Hopefully they were able to get everything I needed. With all the bitching I do about splitting Audrey time with them, they pull through when I need them. They really do have our best interests at heart. And I secretly like having them around. It feels like a real family.
“Hopefully they’re back soon. Mom will be done with dinner before they make it home at this rate.”
“Why doesn’t Tiffany ever eat at her house?” It’s weird. She’s always over here at dinner time.
Audrey snorts and laughs. “She does. Then she comes over here and eats again. I keep telling her it’s going to catch up with her one day, but she doesn’t listen.” I can see it. Tiffany eats almost as much as I do.
My phone dings with a message, and since I’m with Audrey, there’s only two people it could be. I glance over and see Tiffany’s name on the screen. I’m just happy it’s not my dad causing trouble again.