down on it.
My phone beeps. I pull it out and disable the alarm I set for myself.
“Twelve-hour stopover in Bangkok,” I explain to Tara. “A reminder to call my parents, so they don't call me later.”
Tara’s eyes dance. “You have it all worked out, don’t you? The Liv I remember would never have had the guts to do something like that. Then again, there was that whole thing with Ben.”
“Rumors,” I remind her.
“Rumors always have some level of truth behind them,” she says dismissively.
For a second, I consider telling her the truth, but I chicken out. I’m ninety percent sure Tara would high five me if she knew I’d been in a relationship with a teacher, but I’m also ten percent worried she’ll want to track him down and cut off his penis for taking advantage of me.
“So, where are we going tonight?” I ask, hoping I can leave the past in the past.
“There’s this cool little bar full of hot young executives just across the bridge. It’s usually pretty quiet on the weekdays,” she adds, sensing she hasn’t sold me on it. “And I have fake ID’s for both of us.”
I laugh as she pulls out two cards and waves them suggestively in my face.
“That’s why you wanted a recent photo of me,” I giggle.
“Of course! I’m so jealous you’ve been able to go out and drink legally for nearly two years,” she grumbles.
“I would’ve thought the danger of getting caught would be part of the fun for you,” I tease. “And being legally allowed to drink didn’t mean I actually did it very often.”
Her pout lifts into a grin. “Well, tonight that’s going to change.” She motions for me to get up. “Come on then, let’s get ready. I’m not letting you out of the house looking like that.”
I’m about to protest, but then I look down at the clothes I’ve been wearing for two days and decide against it.
“Fine. Just let me call my dad first.”
Tara nods and heads into the bedroom to choose our outfits while I dial Dad’s number.
“Hey honey, how’s the trip?”
“Long,” I say, stifling a yawn. “I have a long stopover in Bangkok. Twelve hours.”
“Poor kid. Hope you find some way to entertain yourself. Are you looking forward to going home?”
“Yes and no,” I admit.
I feel like I've left home, but I don't say that, because I know me leaving was hard enough on him already. We talk for a few more minutes, until I make an excuse to go, promising I'll call him when I land in New York.
I hang up the phone, feeling a little guilty about lying to Dad, but I tell myself it’s just a harmless little lie. Then again, I know for a fact little white lies have a habit of getting out of hand. I call Mom as well and give her the same story.
“How’s the flight been so far?” she asks.
“Long, but okay,” I say. “I'm tired, so I'll probably take the next few hours to catch up on some sleep. I just didn’t want you worrying if you couldn’t get ahold of me.”
“Okay. Make sure you stay cautious and aware of who’s around you though,” she warns.
“I will,” I promise, though I’m not sure how I was supposed to do that if I’m sleeping.
“I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“Me too,” I reply.
“Oh, and don't forget the cruise leaves tomorrow.”
Shit. I had forgotten about that.
Mom asked me last week if I'd come on a three-night cruise with her after one of her friends backed out. I said yes without thinking of how jet-lagged I might be, or the fact that the thought of being locked up on a boat for three nights with my mother didn't exactly have me jumping with excitement.
“I know you're going to be jet-lagged, but it won't be that bad, will it?” Mom begs as if she senses my hesitation. “I really want you there, Liv. I thought it would be a good way for us to get to know each other again.”
Really, or do you just not trust me to be alone in your home?
“Fine, I’ll come, but do you mind if I invite Tara?”
“Tara?” Mom repeats.
“Sure, I mean, it's a singles’ cruise for seniors,” I remind her. “How much time are you really going to want to spend with me? I can hang out with Tara while you're off doing… whatever you're doing,” I finish.
“Way to make me feel old, thanks,” Mom grumbles. “I guess that makes sense as