Page 11 of Charger

“Zach…”

“Okay, you two, how about we not fight at the breakfast table,” my mom interjects, setting another plate of pancakes down in front of us.

“Let it go, man. She’ll figure it out on her own.” Garrett tries to reason with him.

“Really? That’s how you’re gonna let this play out, by letting her figure this out on her own?”

My dad sets down his paper, staring at my brother. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing!” I quickly argue.

“Jules is talking to some guy at school who’s a royal asshole.”

I give Zach a “fuck you” scowl. “No, I’m not.”

“Language,” he says to Zach before looking back at me. “Jules, I would expect you to have enough sense to avoid talking to some jerk, if that’s what he really is. However, you are old enough to make your own decisions.” He clears his throat. “No one says anything about that Sam girl you’re dating, Zach.”

Burn. Go Dad, go Dad.

“Thanks, Daddy.” I smirk at Zach. He shakes his head while shoveling a bit of pancake into his mouth.

My phone goes off again, probably because I haven’t responded yet.

Tommy: Want to go to the movies with me tonight?

Me: Sorry, battle at the breakfast table lol. Yes, the movies sound like fun!

Tommy: A breakfast battle does not sound like fun, but I’m glad you said yes. We can see the new superhero movie.

My first date ever.

“Why are you smiling like a weirdo?” Garrett asks.

“Lisa must have said something that made you super freakin’ happy.” There was no denying the sarcasm from Zach. Whatever, I may as well tell them because they will obviously find out sooner or later.

“Actually, I have a date tonight. If that’s okay?” I look to my mom and dad for approval. Zach drops his fork, slamming back into his chair.

My mom beams. “Oh, Jules, I’m so excited for you! Your first date!”

“Yes, thanks, Mom, for reminding everyone here that it is, in fact, my first date.” I get up from the table, heading straight to my room in an effort to avoid the questions. It’s okay for Garrett to go on as many dates as he wants, but when I finally get one, it’s absolute insanity.

“Oh, and Jules.” I pause with a cringe. “I wanna meet this boy who will be taking out my daughter tonight.” My dad clears his throat.

Zach gloats with my brother. And here I was, so close to escaping.

I feel like I’m going to throw up. Could this be any more embarrassing?

“Do you two really need to be here when he picks me up?” Zach and my brother are waiting patiently in the living room for Tommy to get here. If I had known they were going to be here, I would have told Tommy to run for his life and forget me. To never look back. I’m not that great anyway.

When the doorbell rings, my stomach turns. I stop the guys, running to answer it myself. “Hey, Tommy.” I give him an awkward smile, hoping he doesn’t run.

His eyes widen beyond my shoulder. I glance over. Zach is standing directly behind me with his arms crossed over his chest. He looks intimidating as he towers over us with his lean but muscular arms.

My dad swoops in, gently moving Zach out of the way. “All right, son, I’ll take over from here.” My dad’s hands are on my shoulder. I could die. I love my dad for his protectiveness, but this is so embarrassing. Tommy hasn’t said anything since he got here, but he looks terrified. My dad shakes his hand and starts his speech. “This young lady is very special. You treat her with the respect she deserves, and I want you back here with her by ten. Got it?”

“Y-Yes, sir. I will.”

“Okay, Frank, that’s enough.” My mom pushes him away, pulling me into a side hug. “Okay, you two, I can’t hold them off forever. Go, have fun.”

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