Page 24 of Operation Annulment
Maybe I’ll close my eyes.
Just for a couple of minutes.
eleven
COMMANDMENT #14: THOU SHALT NOT STAY THE NIGHT
Kate
Iwake up to a pounding headache and an unfamiliar room. Memories from last night come back to me in bits and pieces, and I bury my face in the pillow with a muffled scream.
I did that while he was driving?
And then he… and then I puked.
My phone buzzes from my purse, and I drag myself out of the empty bed to grab it.
“Hello?” I rasp, sounding like a cross between Stevie Nicks and Elle King. I resist the urge to belt out “Edge of Seventeen,” at least until I’m back in the safety of my apartment. I think I’ve humiliated myself enough for one lifetime.
“Mary Katherine,” my grandmother snips. “Is there a reason you’re not answering your door right now? I’ve been waiting outside for fifteen minutes now. Did you forget our lunch date?”
“Crap,” I mutter, glancing down at the oversized t-shirt I’m swimming in. If there was ever a time to panic, it’s now. Instead, Ilower my face to the shirt, breathing in his scent like I’ll never get another opportunity.
Which, let’s face it, I won’t.
“Mary Katherine? Hello?” Nan’s grating voice is like ice water to my libido.
“Yeah, Nan,” I mutter while massaging my aching temple. “I’m here. Listen, I had a work thing this morning. I can’t do lunch.”
What time is it?
Who doesn’t have a clock in their bedroom?
Nan clears her throat. “Why are you lying to me? Where are you? I’m coming to meet you.”
I gasp and wrap the comforter around me while searching for my clothing. “Um, Nan—I’m not sure that’s a good idea right now.”
I find my bra on the nightstand and my underwear hanging off the lampshade, but no sign of my dress.
Jiminy Christmas, what is happening to my life?
“Mary Katherine!” Nan screams into my ear, and I pull the phone away, clenching my teeth in frustration.
“What the hell, Nan? I’m going to be deaf!” I cover my mouth, instantly wishing I could lasso all the words and put them back in my mouth. I’ve never talked back to her in my life.
Her voice is deceptively calm as she asks, “Where are you, Mary Katherine?”
Now’s the time to be honest. Come clean about Benjamin and tell her about Nate. I look around again, but the house is silent. Then again, Nate’s not here right now, so maybe now isn’t the time.
The seconds tick past in silence. I need to tell her something, or she’ll have the police out searching for me. I take a deep breath.
Tell her about Nate.
“I spent the night with Benjamin, Nan.”
Or, you know, just lie your face off some more.
I close my eyes and wait for the barrage of insults undoubtedly coming my way.
