Page 17 of Changing Lanes

“What?” My phone rings again. We look at it and then each other.

“You gonna get that?” He nods to the phone. Shit.

“Umm, no. Not yet. It’s nothing.” I cock my brow as if asking him if it’s nothing. He’s not buying it.

“Well, I think I need to go.” He zips his jeans and drags his shirt over his head. “You know, Torrie. All this time, you’ve been giving me shit over Ava, but you obviously have something you need to work out.” He’s agitated, and I can’t blame him.

“It’s my parents,’ Bran. Fuck.” That brings him up short. His face distorts, twisting in confusion.

“You’re embarrassed by me?” He glares at me as if I’m an alien. He has no clue.

“No. Of course not. You just have to understand my father. He’ll be livid if he finds out about us. About me and anyone. He’s an asshole.” Tears begin to well in my eyes, but not for the reason you think. My father will ruin anything good I have if he doesn’t approve.

“Okay, fine. I need to get going. Call me.” Jerking the door open before I can say another word, he slams it just as fast.

As if on cue, my phone rings. Ahhhhhhh. I stomp over, yanking my phone from the couch cushion. Poking the buttons until it lights up and comes on. It’s my parents’. Joy.

“Hey, what’s up?” I ask flippantly.

“Excuse me, young lady? We’ve been trying to reach you. Where have you been?” Disgruntled, I huff as I lean in for him to see my face. “You look terrible. Have you been out all night?”

“Yes, at the library. I forgot my phone was on silent and when I got home, I didn’t turn it back on. I apologize.” Please, let this end.

“Well, you need to remember, you represent this family every minute. There’s no time for slacking.” My father is stern. And as usual, he’s suspicious.

“I apologize, Father. I’ll do better. I need to run. The library gives me more material at my fingertips. Bye.” I shut him down before he can continue.