Page 63 of One Timer With A Wingman

I cry into Aaron’s chest.

“Do you really have mice in your house?” he asks, pulling me from my pit of despair. I look up at him.

“It isn’t a big deal. It’s common on my side of student housing. The houses are a lot older.”

“The landlord should deal with it,” Aaron says.

“We tried, he won’t. We’ve set up our own traps though, so you don’t need to worry,” I assure.

“Briar, that’s not a healthy environment. You should move in here. Shane’s room is empty with Ruby sleeping in Macklin’s room.”

“I can’t afford to live here,” I bring to his attention.

“We can make it work. We’ve been dividing rent six ways anyway,” he explains.

“Aaron, I’m not moving in here to live off you. It’s final.” I pull away from him. “I should go back to my house. I have homework to do.”

“Briar, come on. We can make it work,” Aaron says.

“How much rent do you pay?” I ask him.

“How much do you pay?” he asks.

“Three hundred a month,” I tell him.

“Okay,” he says.

“Come on, Aaron. Tell me how much you pay here,” I demand.

“Six hundred but that isn’t important. We can make three hundred work. I’ll talk to the guys. Like I said, the room is sitting empty anyway.”

“I don’t want handouts and that’s all I can afford. I’m losing my scholarship and I have to up my hours at Black Jack’s to be able to survive.”

“You’re carrying my baby. You should allow me to take care of you.”

“It isn’t your job. When Nugget comes, you can help take care of him or her, but I’m not a part of that package,” I insist.

“What just happened here?” Aaron asks because this conversation has turned into a borderline fight.

“I don’t know, but I need to go. I’m working tonight so I won’t be around.” I get ready to go but I forget I don’t have a car.

“Let me ask Cade for his keys. I’ll drive you home,” he offers.

He returns a moment later and we head out. I don’t know where my friends are so I don’t say bye, but I’m sure we will be touching base soon because they probably have a lot of questions for me.

The entire car ride is silent. When we arrive to my house, I say thanks and leave the car. I don’t know why I am upset with Aaron. It makes no sense. The guy wants to feed me and take care of me, but I’m used to cruelty. I’m used to taking care of myself. I can’t give into his kind offers. It may soften me up and when things go south, where will it leave me? Like Mom with a string of last names.

Aaron says bye but he sounds defeated. I head into the house but I can barely get any work done. My head is spinning from that awful meeting with Mom and my horrible reaction to Aaron’s help. After thinking long and hard, I decide I need to stand my ground. No accepting help from Aaron. In the long run, it will be better for the baby and me.

CHAPTERTWENTY

Aaron

My parents surprised me with a car. It was crazy because I mentioned to them how Briar’s mom came to town to take back her car. They didn’t say anything. Then the next day I get back from school and there’s a black Ford Bronco sitting on our driveway, with a big red ribbon and a large piece of paper that says,for Aaron with love, Mom and Dad.

When I called to speak to Mom, she said she wanted me to have a proper car to take Briar to doctor’s appointments. I told her it was over-the-top and she disagreed. Even though Dad was a professional hockey player and did well, my parents worked hard to teach me the value of a dollar. They were never big spenders and always pushed me to work hard and be the best I can be. They are my role models. Which is why I’m not comfortable with Briar living in that ratty house. I should be close to her so I can take care of her. Problem is, Briar is being prideful, not wanting to move into the hockey house. I can understand why she doesn’t want handouts, but she is having my baby. I don’t think she is comfortable living with people she barely exchanges a word with.

That is why I’ve had to take matters into my own hands. I’ve packed up some bags and put them in the trunk of the Bronco.

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