Page 29 of Changing Lanes

“Great. I love all of my professors, classes are tough, but I can’t seem to get enough.”

“Sounds like how you feel about Torrie.” She smiles. The mere mention of her name has my pulse racing.

“I’m falling in love with her, Mom. I know it may be too soon, but she’s it for me.”

“Who says it’s too soon? Correct me if I’m wrong, but there’s no time limit on love. It begins when it wants, it ends when it wants. Love can come fast, and it can grow slowly. No one should ever judge how someone else finds love. No matter the age, the person, or the social acceptance. Love is love.” Patting my hand, she gets up to get the pie.

“I want to go back. She’s there alone.” I look up through my lashes, waiting on her thoughts. A pain in the pit of my stomach reminds me, I hate leaving her, but I want to be with Torrie.

“I guess you need to check the flights before you eat your pie.” Smiling at me, she hands me my dessert.

Pulling out my phone, I return her smile. “Thank you, Mom.”

Before I start on my piece of pie, I book myself on the red eye to Virginia. Deciding to surprise Torrie, I fly home without her knowing. Mom packed us what leftovers she could, and the airport security laughed when they scanned it. I guess they have moms, too.

Grabbing a cab, I’m home within an hour after landing. Taking the steps two at a time, I set my bags down beside the door. Excited, I reach for my phone to send her a text.

You awake? It takes no time to get a response.

I am now. Thought you were calling earlier— My pulse beats faster.

Who’s at the door? I ask.

No one— My phone vibrates again, but this time, it’s an incoming call.

“Hello,” I whisper as my heart pounds in my ears from the adrenaline rush.

“Hey. No one is at the door,” she says quietly.

“I heard a knock. Just go check while I’m on here,” I prompt her.

“Hell, no,” she yells, making me laugh. “Wait. Are you?” she squeals. I can hear her running through the apartment then she slings the door open, jumping into my arms.

“Hey, baby. I couldn’t imagine you being here alone.” Her nose is buried in my neck with her legs around my waist.

“I’m so happy you’re home.”

“I can tell. Let’s grab my bags, I have leftovers, and I’m ready for bed.” Her legs slowly slide down until she settles on her tiptoes.

“Good, I’m hungry. How exactly did you get this on the plane?” she asks as she takes a bag.

“Mom,” I chuckle. “I can’t wait until you meet her,” I tell her as we walk into the apartment.

Saturday comes and goes with us sleeping, eating, and making love. Basically, we spend the day in bed. Sunday morning is usually when Torrie’s parents’ call but today, it’s just her mom. She encourages Torrie to speak to her father and clear the air.

Christmas break is in two weeks, and she wants Torrie home. I agree, she needs to be home for Christmas. When I suggest it, she says she won’t go without me. We already have tickets, but the plans were never firm. I don’t think I can stay in that house.

Torrie and I discuss Christmas more times than I care to remember, and in the end, she wins. I’m going back for Christmas. We’re spending a week here, then two days in New York before flying to my house for a week’s visit.

All this means is I have to deal with her father and Ava. Fuck. I’ve had to turn my phone off most days because Ava will not stop with the constant calls and texts. I know I need to take the bull by the horns and handle it, but damn, how many times do I have to take care of her?

I’ll soon be nineteen, not old by any standards, but I’ve taken care of Ava since I was five. Constantly, since we were fourteen. I can’t hurt her, I refuse to. I’m just not sure how to help her understand we’re not a couple. We’re friends, family, but not a couple.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Torrie sits down beside me.

“Ava. Your father. Christmas.” Inclining my head, I cut my eyes at her.

“Oh. Sorry I asked.” She giggles. “How can I help?” Taking my hand in hers, she bumps my shoulder.