Page 6 of Paved Paradise

“My talents are endless, Schnookums.” I wink and turn to look at the rest of the fabric in this row.

“What's your story then, Beck? Al mentioned…” She pauses, and I wonder just how much Alina divulged about my situation.

The thought of her telling Frankie about my sister and my life pisses me off. For once, can't I just have something that's mine? That's not tainted by the sickness that seems to rule and control my whole family? Frankie is a breath of fresh air, not treating me with kid gloves because of my home situation. I want that more than I ever thought possible. I need that; I need her.

“How about you let me take you out for dinner tonight? I might then just divulge all my secrets.” I smirk her way and watch as she chews on her bottom lip. I can see she's curious. She wants to know more, to give in and say yes, but something is holding her back, and I have no clue what that is. Before I can ask, she replies.

“Al told me y'all had a group date planned tonight. I don't like crashing plans, and I definitely don't want all eyes on us for a first date.” She snorts, but my smile overtakes my face.

“Date? I like the sound of that,” I joke with her as she splutters.

“Y-you said…”

I put her out of her misery and continue, “Don't worry about my friends. We can do our own thing. They won't miss me anyway, and I don't feel like being the seventh wheel of that semi, anyway.”

“I have a hard time believing you ever feel like the seventh wheel with all that ego, and who said I agreed to…” Before she can finish, my phone goes off in my pocket, and I know it's a text from my sister asking where I am. Instead of letting her finish, I pull my phone out and show her the screen.

“Ope, look at that, saved by the bell. Be ready and at the store by five tonight.” And with that, I turn and rush out the door before answering the phone. I hear her growl behind me but smile because I just got my way. I got a date. Now I just have to prove I'm worth a second one.

“Hey, Ladybug. How are you feeling today?” I ask my sister, Grace.

“I’m okay. I was wondering if you would mind picking me up a Snickers when you get my prescription,” she asks in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. It makes me smile because mom and dad probably told her no, so she called me. I should really tell her no, but I can't.

“How about this? I get you a snack-sized Snickers, and you don't tell mom and dad.” I smile when I hear her tinkling laughter.

“Do I ever?” she asks. I can't help but smile at the laughter in her voice. It's been so long since she's felt well enough to joke around, and I’ve missed it so much. After hanging up, I go to the pharmacy, pick up Grace's prescription, and head home. As I push through the door and make my way to the living room, I know that's where I’ll find my sister lying on the couch with a breathing tube. I smile through the pain of seeing her head covered in a bright pink glittery scarf and her face pale. Making my way to her side, I bend on one knee.

“Where are the rents, Ladybug?” I whisper.

“Mom’s in the kitchen starting dinner, and Dad is in his shop in the back. Hand it over.” She smiles brightly; her lips seem chapped, but she still smiles.

“Fine, but it's the only time this week,” I tell her, handing it over. She quickly unwraps the candy and shoves the whole thing in her mouth, causing me again to laugh.

“Careful, or you’ll choke.” I smile.

“What took you so long to get home today?” she asks, finishing her candy bar.

“Uh, I actually met a girl. Well, I say met… I met her a while ago and saved her a few times, but I finally got her to agree to a date. It took some convincing, but I finally got it.” I smile, booping her nose. I don't hide anything from my sister. When she got sick and we thought we had lost her forever, I promised her I would live my life and tell her all about it. It's her only way to live, and while I might cut out some details or add to the story to make it more adventurous from time to time, I still tell my sister everything.

“Oh, my goodness! You met a girl! How exciting! When is the date? What's her name? What does she look like? Where are you taking her?”

“Slow down, Ladybug.” I chuckle at her excitement but tell her every detail of our encounters and everything I know about Frankie. By the time I finish my story and answer all her millions of questions, I look at the time and see I'm cutting it close.

“Well, what are you doing down here with me? Get your butt in the shower and go get your girl,” Grace says, smiling as I rush out of the living room. I almost collided with my mother, but stop myself just in time.

“Woah, where's the fire?” she chuckles as I steady her, then lean down and kiss her cheek before rushing up the stairs.

“Got a date,” I yell behind me.

“A hot date with a firecracker. I already like her mama,” I hear Grace say from the living room. Smiling and shaking my head, I rush through a shower and get dressed. Looking down at my watch, I realize I have just enough time to stop quickly before getting to Frankie.

I rush out the door, waving to my family as I go by. I make a quick stop at the florist and buy a bouquet of wildflowers, hoping it’s not too cheesy, before I finally make it out front of Alina's store.

Frankie is waiting for me in a flowy knit tank with a fitted tube top type thing under it and painted on jeans. She has to be the most beautiful creature on God’s green earth. Damn, how did I ever get this girl to give me a chance? Oh, that's right, I tricked her.

Well, let's see if I can make it worthwhile for her.

“Schnookums, what a lovely surprise. I could have sworn I was going to have to hunt you down. These are for you,” I say, thrusting the flowers into her hands. She gives me a small, guarded smile, but one I will gladly take.

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