Page 37 of Forgotten Pieces

I grip his shoulder. “We won’t let her.”

He nods at me then walks to the fridge to grab a beer. I follow him into the house and watch him as he greets his wife in the kitchen.

I wish my mom had a relationship like her brother. A doting family, a regular life. Not one filled with too much booze and too much abuse.

I step outside and sit in the backyard, lost in thought as I sip on my beer.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out to look at it.

Unknown number: Hey. Hi. This is Tacoma. You told me to text you if I wanted to talk.

I go to answer but it buzzes again.

Unknown number: OMG please pretend I didn’t send that. I am stupid. You probably don’t want to talk to an eighteen-year-old girl.

Unknown number: PS. I am slightly buzzed so just blame it on alcohol. I don’t know why I texted you.

I laugh as I read her texts, picturing her talking the exact same way. I wanted to be alone tonight, but maybe her company will be better.

Ryder: I’m free if you want to talk.

I program her number in my phone as I wait for a response.

Tacoma: Wait, really? You want to?

I laugh and respond.

Ryder: I wouldn’t have told you to text me if I didn’t mean it.

Tacoma: Okay, umm well can I come to your place?

I start to question her intentions since she has hit on me a few times.

Ryder: Nah. Too many people here. Know of a neutral zone we could meet?

Tacoma: Neutral zone? You really are an army boy.

Ryder: MARINES

I hate when people mix us up.

Tacoma: Touchy, touchy. I won’t make that mistake again. ;) Give me a few minutes and I’ll think of a place.

I wait for her response and wonder if this is a good idea. It feels wrong even though I know she is legal, but she is still in high school.What am I getting myself into?

Tacoma: I’m sending over the address of a place I know. Should be pretty secluded.

She sends it over and I see it’s about fifteen minutes away.

Ryder: I can be there in about twenty minutes.

Tacoma: Perfect! Bring beer!

I roll my eyes at that.

Ryder: You’re a minor.

Tacoma: Soooo…we have already drank together. And it’s not like I’ll tell. Lips sealed.

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