Page 57 of Obligation
Of course, she would never know for sure if she didn’t give Bradley a chance. Doing so meant ending things with Danny. She didn’t necessarily have any issues with breaking up with him, though she knew he wouldn’t take that news very well, and she was completely tired of fighting with him. She didn’t have an ounce of energy left to argue. Maybe she could just text him and tell him they were over, then block his number.
Shit. She really needed to get a new phone. Bradley said they could go to the mall today.What time is it?She searched the room for any sort of clock but couldn’t find one. Good thing today was Sunday, and she didn’t have any classes to worry about.
Her eyes widened with horror. Today was Sunday! She was supposed to be at her parents for Sunday dinner. Her father was going to freak out if she didn’t show up. She needed to call him before he lost his mind and started calling all her friends looking for her.
Carissa rushed out of the bedroom. Bradley stood in front of the stove, cooking something in a frying pan. She stood for a moment and watched him. The fact that he knew how to cook was oddly sexy, and she couldn’t stop a smile from curling her lips.
“I’m making omelets,” he said without taking his attention from the stove. “Hope that’s okay.”
“Yeah, that’s perfect.” She moved toward the kitchen island and hoisted herself up onto one of the stools. “What time is it anyway?”
“Almost noon.”
She propped her elbows on the island and dropped her head into her hands. “My father’s going to kill me,” she muttered.
“What?” Bradley spun around to look at her.
Sighing, she straightened. “I’m supposed to be at my parents’ house right now for Sunday dinner. It’s a weekly thing that I’m not allowed to miss. My dad is probably losing his mind right about now.”
Bradley retrieved his phone from the counter and slid it across the island toward her. “Call him and let him know you’re okay.” He then turned his attention back to cooking.
Carissa dialed her home number and nervously drummed her nails on the island as she waited for someone to pick up. Finally, someone did.
“Hello?” Cory’s voice rang through the line.
Thank God he answered as opposed to her father. “Hey, Cory,” she said.
“Carissa?” His voice was a frantic whisper. “Where are you? Dad’s convinced someone kidnapped or killed you.”
“Of course he does.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine. Didn’t Tiffany tell you I called her last night?”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t exactly sober.” He laughed. “Hold on. I’ll get Dad.”
Her stomach knotted. Talking to her father was never a pleasant experience, and under these circumstances, the discussion would be absolutely brutal. Rustling sounded on the other end of the line, and then she heard her father’s voice in the background.
A second later, his commanding tone filled her ear. “Carissa? Where are you?”
“I’m fine, Dad. I promise. I’m safe, but I’m not going to make it to dinner today.” She fought to keep her tone calm and level because if she showed any real emotion or raised her voice, her father would start to yell, and that’s the last thing she wanted to deal with.
“I gathered that much by your lack of presence here,” he said with disappointment. “Mind telling me why? Are you with that loser boyfriend again?”
Carissa rubbed the encroaching ache from her forehead. “No, I’m not.”
“Then what’s more important than your family? Did he do something to you?” he demanded.
“No, Dad. I told you, I’m fine, and I’m not with Danny. I’m with a friend, okay, and I just need some space. I promise to check in again tomorrow.”
“What friend? All your friends are here.”
She blew out a slow breath and silently counted to ten. “I do have other friends, you know.” She cringed at the snark in her tone. “My phone broke last night, and I need to replace it, so until I do, I can’t respond to calls or messages. I just wanted to let you know that.”
“How did it break? And how are you calling me right now?” His words dripped with unspoken accusations. “What is going on, Carissa? You know I won’t tolerate you lying to me. If you’re in trouble—”
“Dad!” she snapped, silencing him. “I’m not in trouble, and I’m not lying to you.”
He was silent for a few moments, and that only served to intensify her discomfort. She shifted on the stool, jaw clenched. She could only imagine what Bradley must be thinking right now, hearing just her side of this ridiculous conversation.
“Tell me where you are, and I’ll call the nearest cell phone store. I’ll have them get a new phone ready for you to pick up,” he said.
