Page 80 of Bad For A Weekend

Hudson interrupts us, shouting profanities at his TV.

Dad looks at the pool house. “He’s not as quiet as Owen, is he?”

“Definitely not.”

“Anyway, Hudson’s IT team has been reviewing all the emails and letters I receive each day, and they think these are from the same person who got to you at prom.” He sets the stack down. “I don’t want to worry you, but I feel like you need to know everything going on, so you won’t make rash decisions in the future.”

“I know what I did in Tulum was dumb, Dad. I don’t need to see these.” Without Owen, my sense of security is off. My nightmares have returned, and I don’t feel safe when I’m not at home.

“There are threats. Specifically for graduation.”

“Haven’t you and Hudson been working with the school to make sure everything goes okay?”

“We have, but it’s outside at the River Center and Gardens. There’s no possible way for it to be locked down. It’s too big.”

“So what? I can’t go to graduation?” My stomach sinks. I’m not big on formalities, but graduation feels like a big deal. And I want to be there to celebrate with my friends. We’ve been preparing for this moment for years now.

“I’m not saying that. All I’m saying is, we need to be extra vigilant.”

“What does that mean, specifically?”

“Just that Hudson will probably be right next to you the whole time.”

“Will they give him a cap and gown too?” I snark.

“That’s not a bad idea. He can blend in.”

Hudson shouts. “Fuck yeah! That’s how it’s done, boys.”

I pin Dad with a look. “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll fit right in.”

Dad laughs. “Okay, maybe not. We’ll figure something else out.”

“I have a question, semi-related to all this.”

“What’s up?”

“What happens if we don’t catch whoever is behind this by the time I go to college? Does Hudson or some other meathead move into my dorm with me?”

Dad blows out a breath. “I don’t know. I honestly didn’t think it would go on this long, so I haven’t even thought that far ahead. But even so, you’re crazy if you think you’re moving into a dorm.”

“What?”

“I already got special permission from Pomona to allow you to have an apartment.” He pulls out his phone. “Speaking of, I have a few listings I want you to look at.”

“Dad!”

My tone halts his excitement. “I wanted the full college experience. Nasty dorm and all.”

My night with Ziggy ruined a lot of things, but it also made me realize how much I don’t want to live in the spotlight. The most recognition I want in my life is the small square picture attached to articles I write when I become a journalist.

“I’m sorry, Bay. That’s not going to happen. There are too many variables. I need you in an apartment where I can control security. Don’t worry, though. Ziggy’s parents filed the same appeal so he could be your roommate. And since neither of us will be living here, I’m sending Brandy with you to make sure you’re eating something other than delivery or ramen.”

“You didn’t even ask me what I wanted.”

It helps to know Ziggy and Brandy will be there—I wouldn’t want to live alone—but at the same time, I’m tired of special exceptions just because of who my dad is. I’ve done nothing to deserve them.

“Because this wasn’t optional,” he draws out.

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