Page 19 of Bending Under Pressure

“Of course, I’ve been here before. That’s why I wanted to come. I’ve been here with a friend and this is where I was supposed to meet Dad Tuesday night.” Luckily, I’ve been MIA after school the past couple of weeks, so it’s entirely plausible that I’d come then and not when I snuck out to see Keelan.

“What do you mean where you were supposed to meet him?”

I glance at Walter. I assumed if he knew, Mom did, too. “He didn’t show,” I answer quietly, staring down at my menu.

Mom is quiet for a few moments before she asks, “The same friend whose house you were at today?”

“Yes.”

“And which friend would that be?”

I sigh, not liking the million questions. “Keelan. You met him after my game.”

Mom frowns. “You’ve been hanging out with a boy?”

“Yes, Mom.” I roll my eyes. “He’s a friend and has a great family. I hung out with his mom more than him today, if it makes you feel better.”

“What would make me feel better is if you would let me know where you are and with whom.”

I don’t get a chance to reply, which is probably for the best, because Mrs. Elsie comes back to take our order. To keep the focus off me, I turn my attention to Walter.

“How’s life, Walter?”

They both seem surprised at me addressing him. I haven’t given him a chance before because I thought he was the reason my parents divorced. Now, I know he’s not the reason. I told Mom I’d give him a chance, ans I will. Whether I like him afterward or not remains to be seen.

Walter begins talking about his job, and I’m quickly bored. He’s an accountant. I’m not sure what could be appealing about it. My eyes have glazed over when he says, “So, you know I’m good with numbers. If you need help in math this semester, let me know.”

I’m surprised he knows I have math this semester, so all I can do is smile and thank him for the offer. Dinner is surprisingly easygoing as we talk about school, their jobs, and when they ask about my friends, I make sure to talk about Jess, Cam, and Keelan. During our meal, I also notice how smitten Mom is with Walter and he with her. I mean I know they’re married now, but I never paid attention to things like Walter smiling when Mom is rambling about something. Or their little touches. They’re in love, that’s for sure.

When we return to the house, Mom asks, “Do you want to watch a movie with us?”

“No, thanks,” I reply, hurrying to the seclusion of my room. I hope she doesn’t think that I’m going to hang out with them all the time now. That is so not the case.

Today has lasted forever, it seems, and I’m exhausted. My throat aches with more unshed tears as I think about my morning as I change clothes. My dad and his cheating ways are the last thing I want to think about, so I crawl into bed, wondering if it’s too early to fall asleep. My phone chimes with a text, so I grab it from my nightstand.

Keelan: Wanna ride with me tonight?

My heart begins to pump erratically in my chest. My fingers are replying before I can even think about it.

Me: Yes. What time do I need to be ready?

Riding in his car when he sped down Dead Man’s Curve was like nothing else I’d ever experienced. After today, I’m dying to feel that adrenaline rush and to see what it’s like when they race. There’s no way I can say no.

Keelan: Two hours. I’ll text you when I get there.

Me: Can’t wait! :D

Keelan: Me either.

Keelan: Don’t wear a VT shirt, or you can’t ride. ;)

Me: Haha, deal!

I set my phone aside. I have two hours to put myself back together. First, I hop in the shower, taking nearly forty-five minutes as I quadruple check there’s not a hair left on my legs. Then I spend way too long shifting through the shirts in my closet for something to wear. There’s a knock on my door right when I find a cute red top. Thankfully, I haven’t changed yet.

“Who is it?” I call.

“Mom,” she replies.

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