Nix
“Morn— Nix, sweetheart, what on earth happened to your lip?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” I murmured, sliding onto one of the stools.
Jessa made me a mug of coffee and pushed it in my direction. “You want some ice for that?”
“Nah, I’ll live.” The swelling had already gone down a little. Besides, I’d had worse.
“You want pancakes?”
“I never say no to pancakes.” I smiled, wincing as the skin around my mouth tightened and stretched. “Where is he?”
“He left early. Had some stuff to take care of before we leave tomorrow.”
“You’re leaving tomorrow?” That was news to me.
“Yeah. Tomorrow afternoon. We’ll be back Monday. Are you sure you’re going to be okay? I know it’s your first game of the season—”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Harleigh would be there. It wasn’t ideal, asking her to come to watch the game. Especially not since Denby had stuck a target on her back. But I had a plan.
“But I do worry.” Jessa leaned over and cupped my cheek. “You’re a good boy, Nix. I know life hasn’t always been easy for you…”
“Can we not do this?” I said, sipping my coffee.
She turned back to the pan on the stove, using the spatula to flip the pancakes. “Anything else you want?”
There were a lot of things I wanted but would never get. That was life.
“Bacon? Eggs?”
“Pancakes is fine, thanks. Listen, Jessa, are you sure about this weekend? I know you’re excited, but I don’t want you to—”
She swung around and pinned me with a knowing look, letting out a soft sigh. “He’s trying, Nix. He’s really trying. I know he has his moments…” she trailed off.
Is that what we are calling them now?
“…but I can’t remember the last time your dad took me anywhere. I think it’ll be good for us. Practice for when you move out and go off to college.”
My spine straightened. He still hadn’t told her. Such a fucking coward. But he knew, he knew I’d keep his little secret. Because I didn’t want to hurt Jessa any more than necessary. And finding out my old man wanted me gone at the end of senior year was going to be a huge fucking fight.
“Yeah, college,” I mumbled.
“Here you go, sweetie. Just how you like ’em.” She shoved a plate full of pancakes toward me and I grabbed the syrup. “How are things with Harleigh? You know, it would be nice to see her.”
“Yeah, never going to happen.” Because bringing her here meant risking her running into my old man. Which is why this weekend was perfect. We could finally spend some time alone without her worrying about who might see us.
A sinking feeling went through me. First, we had to survive the game against DA.
“Nix, what is it?”
“These are good.” I shoved another mouthful of syrup-drenched pancake into my mouth and smiled.
“You’re keeping something from me,” she said.
“Who, me?” I mumbled. “Would I ever?”