We finish dinner, and I clear the table. Nora joins me, crossing the island separating the kitchen from the open dining room while Linc and Lola stay seated at the table.
Nora fluffs my hair out, looking into my eyes. “You’re so beautiful. I’m so happy you’re doing well.”
I fight a cry creeping inside my throat. “It’s all thanks to you.”
I’d have never been able to afford college if she hadn’t insisted on paying for it. And I’m squandering the opportunity. “I’m so happy to do it.”
She hugs me to her chest, and I don’t ever want her to let go, feeling her warmth and love in that one simple embrace.
I wish I could tell her all the things I’ve done. The truth claws its way to the surface every time I’m around her—all of the horrible things I’ve done, the lies, who I truly am inside.
She doesn’t know any of it.
She pulls back, and I see her wipe a tear from her cheek, nearly killing me with my own self-hatred.
“We should get going.” She looks over at Lola, who rises from the table.
“Yeah, it’s a horrid drive.”
“It’s not that bad.” Linc shrugs as he stands, and we all walk toward the front door.
“Well, maybe you could make that drive a little more then, Linc.” Lola smiles sweetly at him while guilting him into visiting more.
But I know why he doesn’t. It’s the same reason I don’t.
“I’ll try.”
Nora squeezes him to her chest. “I hope so. I miss you.”
“I miss you too.” Linc’s arms swallow her small frame as she kisses his cheek, and then she gives me another hug.
“If he comes to visit, you come with him, okay?”
I nod my head in agreement without any hesitation. “Absolutely.”
Lola hugs us both, and then they leave the house, taking with them all their warmth and happiness, leaving the house cold and barren of hope.
Linc closes the door, and I see their headlights disappear as I unbutton the cardigan and take it off, leaving me in a cropped, maroon tube top. I place the cardigan on the back of the couch.
Linc walks over to me, the glare ever present for me. “Why didn’t you just wear that?”
I roll my eyes and flop down on the couch. “I don’t think your mom would like it much.”
“Do you?”
“Linc, I’m tired. I did what you asked. I cleaned up.”
“No.” He stands in front of me. “You changed into someone totally fucking different. I just didn’t want puke in your hair or cum on your pants, or vice versa.”
“Fuck you.”
He sits down next to me on the couch, propping his feet up on the coffee table. “Yeah, I mean, more than likely it would have been my cum, unless you snuck out yesterday.”
I hate him, but I’m oddly comfortable with him too.
I lay down on my back with my head in his lap, looking up at his handsome face. “I didn’t. I drank and passed out.”
“Classy.”