AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I mean…I’ve done it in the past.
I can do it again.
While yes, it has been quite some time, I’m still capable of it.
It is still something I possess the power to do.
I just…hope it doesn’t come out the way it did during my rehearsing this weekend.
Clark – not so subtly – claimed I sounded thirteen again and J.T. enthusiastically agreed.
Neither provided helpful commentary.
“Did you want me to guess what you’re going to say?” Her approaching voice leads me to grabbing a small glimpse that confirms she’s relocating to be directly behind me. “Can you at least tell me how many words it is? That’s basic charades etiquette, Mr. Wilcox.”
“Am I Mr. Wilcox because you’re pissed at me or am I Mr. Wilcox because you’re hoping to make me squirm?”
“The latter.”
Relief doesn’t hesitate to fall on my shoulders.
Thank fuck for that.
Not sure I could actually go through with this if she were completely pissed as opposed to being simply frustrated by the situation with her mother.
“I was wondering…” standing straight up is accompanied by shoving my hands in the pocket of my hoodie, “if…you’re…working this evening.”
I know she’s not.
I know she only works Friday, Saturday, and Sunday thanks to a quick call with Park.
But I need the buildup.
I need to set the tone for a successful pitch.
Just like I coach the face of my company to do for every board meeting.
“No.”
“Do you have plans?”
“Might see if Puppet Boy wants to eat whatever Lucky’s made and binge a few episodes of Next Gen with me. Kinda tapped on energy for job hunting and apartment searching seems like a backseat option until Mom’s stable, you know?”
I swallow the droplets of guilt burning their way down my vocal cords and nod in understanding.
Lauren’s unsettled condition is my fault.
Just like the death of Bryn’s dad.
My own parents.
I’m incapable of not hurting others.
Which means asking her to have dinner with me is a terrible idea.
One that I should’ve never even considered.
Don’t deserve to consider.
