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Nix
“Wondered when you’d show your face, you little shit,” my old man spat the words as he sat stretched out in his armchair, sipping on a beer.
“It wasn’t like I took all of it.”
“I should make you pack up your stuff and get the hell out of here before—”
“Nix, sweetheart, you’re back.” Jessa appeared, wearing a tentative smile. She glanced between us, her expression falling. “Joe, you promised.”
“Relax, woman. I haven’t laid a finger on him, have I, kid?”
Anger rolled up my spine and it took everything inside me not to respond. Jessa touched my arm, demanding my attention. “Did you have a nice time?” Her eyes twinkled.
She knew.
She knew exactly who I’d been with and why I’d stolen a bunch of stuff out of our refrigerator.
“Yeah. It was good, thanks.”
“That’s nice, sweetie. Real nice. Me and your dad had a nice evening too. In fact, he has some news, don’t you, Joe?” He grumbled something inaudible, but Jessa added, “Go on, baby. Tell him.”
“Gotta go out of town for a few days next weekend.”
“And he’s taking me with him. We’re going to the city, Nix.”
“Albany?” I asked.
“No, New York City. Isn’t that exciting? I’ve always wanted to go to the Big Apple.” Jessa’s enthusiasm made my skin itch.
“New York? What business do you have in New York?” I asked.
“Watch it, kid.” My old man glared at me, annoyance shining in his half-drunk eyes.
Something didn’t add up. It wasn’t unheard of for him to disappear on business now and again, but he never ventured as far south as NYC. At least, not to my knowledge.
Joe Wilder was small-town. He wasn’t a city guy.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea taking Jessa?”
“Oh, Phoenix,” she cooed. “I’ll be okay, sweetheart. Your dad said while he’s taking care of business, I can go shopping. How about that? Little old me shopping in NYC.” She clasped her hands together and let out a dreamy sigh.
“That’s… great.” I swallowed over the lump in my throat.
“You’ll be okay? Home alone for a few nights?”
“I think I can handle it.”
My old man snorted at that. “No parties.”
“Would I ever?”
His brow quirked up. “I mean it, Nix. Keep your punk ass friends the fuck out of my home.”
“Yeah, yeah, keep your hair on. I’ve got my first game of the season Friday, so we’ll probably party down at the res.”
“Ooh, first game of the season. How exciting. You don’t mind if I give this one a miss, do you?” Jessa nudged my shoulder and I managed a weak half-smile.
“Mind? Why would I mind?”
