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Nixon: That’s all I need. How’s studying?
Sav: Bad. I just need tomorrow to be over.
Nixon: Me too. More than you know.
Nixon chats with me for a few more minutes, but he knows how I am with studying and he doesn’t try to keep me for long. I love that about him. He doesn’t try to change who I am; he gladly gives me the space I need to accomplish my goals in life.
Chad’s complained about my studying habits for as long as we’ve been dating. He doesn’t understand why I can't be happy with less than perfection.
I can't explain my need for the perfect score on a test or the most amazing presentations. I'm sure a psychology major could go on and on in detail about why I feel the need to be the picture of perfection, but there’s a reason I'm not friends with any. I don’t want or need anyone explaining my faults to me.
I flip on my electric tea kettle as I pace back and forth in my living room. I flip through one flash card after another. This is what’s always worked for me. I'm sure when I go to pack up my apartment, I'm going to find at least two moving boxes full of flash cards throughout this place.
The thought of moving everything I own out of this apartment and moving back home is overwhelming. I try to push it to the back of my mind and focus on studying. Only one more test and I can breathe a sigh of relief.
Only one more test and I can see Nixon again.
Chapter 12
Nixon
I wasn’t lying when I said I needed these next few days to be over too. I’ve been waiting for what feels like a lifetime to see her again. Years to explain my side of the story, years to get her back. When I wake up the following morning, I can't wait to get my day started. I rush through my morning routine, excited to be one day closer to the girl of my dreams coming home.
I pack a bag full of all the things I’ll need over the next few days. Donny told me to stay in the guest room next to Savvy. He wants to make sure Chad stays out and he’s trying his hardest to help me win back his daughter. I never expected them to help, but I'm more than grateful for anything I can get.
Placing the bag by the front door, I slip on sneakers. I won't need my stuff until tomorrow, but I'm too anxious to wait. Only one more night until Savvy comes home.
“Nixon,” Carla smiles from her place in front of the oven. “It’s so good to see you.”
She hurries around the island, enveloping me in her embrace. She steps back patting my cheek like I'm a good little boy.
“It’s always a pleasure to be in the Catalino house.”
“Such a suck up,” Donny grumbles.
“I can suck up to you too, Pops.” Giving him a shit-eating grin, I catch the cookie he throws at my face, taking a big bite out of it. “Oh, wow. This is amazing.”
“No more cookies! Those are for tomorrow!” Carla scolds us.
“Sorry,” I mumble around the food in my mouth. “He threw it at me, I couldn’t not eat it. My germs were all over it already. It’d be a waste to not enjoy it.”
“What time is my daughter coming? I need one kid who loves me in this house.” Donny plops down on the stool at the island.
“Well, she was going to come tomorrow, but they changed their minds. They’re coming today.”
“Wait, really? She’s gonna be here tonight?” I stare at her with a slack jaw.
“Yes, Romeo, that’s what the pretty lady just said. Make sure you keep your hands to yourself.” His eyes sparkle with amusement.
“I should probably get my stuff before she gets here. How long do I have?”
“She should be here around dinner. She had one class this morning. Get dressed up, Nixon. She’ll appreciate it.” Carla grins.
“Yeah, go get your shit and make yourself pretty.” Donny chuckles. I mock scowl at him, but he knows I don’t mind his teasing.
“I will, just to make you happy. Carla, is there anything you need me to get before I come back?”
“No, honey. Just get back here as soon as you can so we can finish this food.”
