Page 86 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Yes.” I grab my overnight bag and make my way back to the passenger side of the Jeep, careful not to ruin my shoes.

We both climb in. I pull on my seatbelt and it glides easily. I send a silent thank you to the universe. The last thing I need is him leaning over me to buckle me in when I have vomit breath.

“Didn’t want me to see you topless?” he teases, clicking his own belt into place.

“Are you saying you wanted to see me topless?” I cut him a look before laying my head on the headrest and shutting my eyes.

He lets out a low chuckle and starts the engine. “You good if we try to make it to the gas station?”

“Oh yeah. I think the mix of the sharp turns and my book made me nauseous. I’m fine now, just going to try to relax.”

“I’m sorry I took us this way.”

“You didn’t do it on purpose,” I laugh, keeping my eyes closed. “Thanks for holding my hair and rubbing my back and all that. You didn’t have to and it was nice that you did.”

“I told you I got you, plus it’s not the first time I’ve had to take care of you when you were sick,” he chuckles.

“Oh my god. How could I forget? Four wine coolers at fifteen was not my brightest move.” I squint my eyes open and turn my head towards him.

“No, it wasn’t, but I’ll always take care of you. I didn’t mind back then and I don’t mind now.” His words settle in my brain and I try not to think about what they could mean. I roll my head back to center and close my eyes.

“You know my parents still don’t know about that night,” I laugh. “Mom would probably lose it on me if she ever found out.”

“You think she’d still get mad about something that happened twelve years ago?”

“Well, not mad, but you know she doesn’t handle that kinda thing well. Would probably lecture me about how I need better life choices or something. Me drinking at fifteen really plays into her whole Lacey’s a mess narrative. She hasn’t changed much since you last saw her.”

“So, I’m guessing that means you two aren’t very close.”

“I don’t know. It’s complicated. You know Lori. Everything has to be planned and on the calendar, so unless she plans some family dinner or it’s an obligatory holiday I don’t talk to her much. Part of me hoped I’d see my parents more once my dad retired, but the opposite has happened. Colt moved to Texas for school, so unless the prodigal son is in town, then we don’t get together.”

I feel his hand squeeze mine and my eyes shoot open. A spark flies up my arm and makes my heart flutter. As quickly as I can, I shake him off. Silence fills the car and his hand returns to the steering wheel.

What are we doing?

The gas station comes into view and I take a deep breath, relieved that my stomach held it together and I’ll be able to get some much-needed space between us.

Jace parks the Jeep at one of the pumps and I make a beeline to the bathroom with my toiletry bag. It’s a single stall and surprisingly cleaner than I expected it to be.

At the sink I splash some cold water on my face and try to gather my thoughts. Grabbing a few paper towels, I gently dry my face. My hands rest on the edge of the sink and I give myself the pep talk.Get it together, Lacey. He’s your friend. He’s being nice. He doesn’t want to be more than friends. You just puked in front of him for Christ’s sake. Be fucking normal.

I brush my teeth, fix my hair, and double check that the rest of my clothes are clean before heading back to the car. I slide into the passenger seat and throw my bag in the back. Grabbingmy e-reader, I pull my knees up to my chest and try to get comfortable for the long ride ahead.

Jace slides in with a wide grin plastered across his face, holding two plastic bags.

“What’s that?”

“Things for you,” he says, placing the bag next to me in my chair.

I take a minute to dig through it. Ginger ale, off-brand saltines, Dramamine, a Coke, and a bag of mini red and pink Starbursts are all piled inside.

“I wasn’t sure if you were still feeling sick, so I got you options. Also they didn’t have any coffee or tea, so I figured a Coke would help if you wanted caffeine.”

“How did you know I liked these?” I lift the Starbursts out of the bag.

“I have my ways.”

“Hmmm.” I eye him and pull out the Coke. “Did you not want anything?”

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