Page 2 of All Your Hate

“I worry about you.”

Pushing down the heavy lump in my throat, I manage to keep my emotions in check. Summer doesn’t need to know what those four words do to me.

“I’m the one that’s supposed to worry for the both of us. All you need to do is get some sleep. After all, you need to be fully rested to enjoy a day of gaming and pizza tomorrow.”

Summer’s eyes light up and all her worries seem to vanish instantly. If only all my cares would disappear with the mere mention of food.

“We’re getting pizza?”

“Yep! With every single topping.”

“Ew, no, that means you’ll get one with vegetables on. I just want cheese. Oh and pineapple.”

“Cheese and pineapple? Nothing else?” I should be used to her random food choices by now, but she still manages to surprise me.

“Nope.” She smiles.

“Then that’s exactly what we’ll get.” I give her another kiss before tucking her in. “Love you, sunshine.”

“Love you, Wynnie.”

Once I’ve pulled the door closed, I check my phone for the time. Crap, I’m cutting it fine today. I’m not usually late, but my boss is a jerk and I can’t risk jeopardizing this job. It’s what’s keeping a roof over our heads and most importantly, Summer by my side.

I’m about to call Charlie when she bursts through the front door, her face flushed and chest heaving.

Holding my finger to my lips, I shush her.

“Sorry,”she whispers as she kicks her shoes off and lets out her hair, the red locks tumbling down her back. “I tried to get out on time, but the kitchen was swamped and I had to run between there and the bar for the last four hours.”

I slip past her where she’s leaning against the wall catching her breath so I can grab my heels and jacket.

“Have they still not hired anyone new?”

“Nope, you know how picky my boss is. Is Summer asleep?”

“She’s probably still playing her game. Give her another half hour then check.”

“I wish my mom was as laid-back as you. When I was growing up I’d have gotten a smack if she caught me staying up late.”

Guess that’s what happens when you have to be Momandbig sis. It’s hard to juggle it all sometimes. I’m constantly worried if I'm being too strict or not strict enough. Whether I’m doing any of it right or if she’s better off without me.

Shaking off the doubts, I force a smile back onto my face. Might as well get used to wearing it now since it’ll have to stay all night. “There’s some leftover pasta in the refrigerator if you want it. Summer set the sofa bed up for you and looks like Mister Unicorn is joining you tonight.”

“Ah, perfect, he’s a way better cuddler than my last boyfriend,” Charlie jokes, then her forehead creases as she catches the bags under my eyes. She pops her hip out as she looks at me and I already know what she’s going to say. “You look exhausted, honey. Please, just come interview at my place. It doesn’t pay as well as the club, I know, but at least you won’t have to be away all night. You can get some rest.”

If only it were that easy. “I can’t risk the pay cut. I’m just about making rent on this place. If I miss one payment then she’ll be gone.” I make sure to keep my voice low so there’s no chance of Summer overhearing. I never want her to worry about the grown-up shit.

Charlie squeezes my shoulder, but it doesn’t do much to reassure me. “If that happens,which it won’t, you can stay with me. Wynter…you’re not going to lose her like that. You work your ass off and child services will see that,ifit ever comes to it. I’ll make sure they do.”

“Dammit, Charlie, don’t make me cry. I don’t have time to fix my makeup. Speaking of, I really do have to go. Let me know—”

“If anything happens, I know. I’ll keep you updated like always.” She winks and brings me in for a tight hug. “Oh, honey. I hate seeing you so tired all the time.”

“It’s honestly fine. I’m fine,” I lie, breaking away from her. I’m out the door before she can say anything else.

My coworkers, Kara and Stef, are both already swamped with customers when I get to work.

Neither of them look like they’re having a good night.

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