Page 57 of Changing Lanes

“Let’s hurry and get dressed. We don’t want to be late for school.”

We go over her spelling words again on the way to the restaurant, she’s a smart little cookie. Even if I have to say so myself. She asks about my work, happy I’m getting a chance to work. We talk about summer break, making plans to camp out in the yard and to build the biggest sandcastle at the beach.

Parking, we walk into the restaurant hand in hand. Several watch as we enter, she’s too much. Her ponytail swings as she walks with her white tennis shoes and green polka dot dress. Sitting near a window, we people-watch until we place our order. Andi orders orange juice with her pancakes, I ask the waitress to bring some milk also.

Andi sits up straight then suddenly, she bolts from the table. I run after her, I can’t believe she’s doing this. She never acts this way, where is she going? “Andi. Stop.” Out the door she goes, right into the arms of my favorite blonde.

“Hey, pretty girl. How are you?” Torrie hugs her.

“I’m good. My Dad and I are having pancakes, come eat with us,” she says. Torrie glances up at me.

My eyes move from her tank top that’s gapped open to her eyes and back. I feel like a teenage boy, I can’t stop looking. She begins to shake her head, drawing my attention again.

“What?” I ask, clearly embarrassed.

“You. I guess there is one thing you like more than money,” she says, still holding Andi’s hand.

“You would guess right but only on one specific person.” Moving my eyes from hers to her chest.

“Will you have breakfast with us, please?” Andi asks again.

“Nice, you put her up to it?” Torrie narrows her eyes.

“No, I did not. As a matter of fact, she’s in a little bit of trouble for running off like she did.” I shake my finger at Andi.

“I’m sorry. I saw my friend, I wanted to ask if she would eat with us,” Andi explains.

“Your friend?” Tilting my head in question.

“Yes. You’re my friend, aren’t you Torrie?” Andi has her wrapped already. Torrie looks at her sweetly.

“I am, but I’m not sure we should have breakfast together. Maybe your mom will want to come?” Torrie tries to make an excuse, it won’t work.

“My mom doesn’t come around a lot. It’s always me and my dad. Unless Gamma comes, but she didn’t today,” Andi explains as her sweet face frowns.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m sure Torrie has important things to do. We’re fine, you don’t have to,” I say with a smirk.

“You know what, I do have time for breakfast after all. Lead the way, Andi.” Torrie holds the door open for them, and I grab it as she walks through.

Sitting across from each other, Torrie is beside Andi. They chat about school, her teachers, and how she’s doing in her classes. It’s more than her own mother has ever done. They eat, sharing pancakes and fruit. Andi drinks milk, and Torrie drinks Andi’s orange juice.

“Who did your hair this morning?” Torrie twirls Andi’s ponytail.

“My Dad. He does everything for me,” Andi boasts.

“Oh, he does.” Torrie eyes me skeptically.

“I try to, but I tend to let important people down when I’m needed most.” She glances at me but has her full attention on Andi.

“Dad had a friend named Torrie in college, he said she was beautiful. Is my friend Torrie beautiful, too?” Andi asks innocently. Torrie faces me, her eyes are glassy.

“Andi, this is my friend from college.” Torrie smiles, but it’s weak, forced even.

“Oh, she’s prettier than you said she was.” I choke on my coffee. Shit.

“Thank you, Andi. I think I should be going.” Torrie stands as she pins me with her eyes, she looks angry.

Andi walks with Torrie outside while I pay for our food. I know she’s pissed, I can’t believe this shit. I watch them through the window, Torrie ties Andi’s shoe. She knows how, why is she having her do it?