The Endless Road to Sunshine - Nicky James Page 0,102
anything more than nothing, I would jinx myself. Boyfriends didn’t last long. Any more than a few nights together, and most guys learned I wasn’t worth it.
By the time the yard was finished, Mom had lined the curb with eight bags of leaves. I was sweating and stripped out of my coat, tousling my hair which stood up on end from the dampness.
“Can I make you cocoa? There are some banana muffins left that I made earlier this week. Would you like to stay and have one?” Mom asked as we returned the rake to the garage and packed away the leftover bags.
My phone chimed before I could answer, and I checked it, my chest warming when I saw Jason’s name on the screen. I’m home, but there is something wrong with my apartment.
I stalled as Mom stood with the door open, inviting me inside. Before I followed her, I typed a response, my face hurting from smiling. It was stupid how giddy I was hearing from him. What’s wrong with your apartment?
His response was four simple words that ignited a fire within me. You’re not in it.
I dashed a glance at my mom who was smiling back at me from just inside the house. It was a motherly, all-knowing smile.
“I’m going to take a raincheck on the cocoa and muffins.”
“I figured.” She nodded at my phone. “Someone important?”
I played it off, waving a dismissive hand and pffting. “Of course not. I told you I don’t have a boyfriend. It’s just a booty call. I’m too young and horny to turn it down. You understand.”
“Skylar Christopher, I’m your mother.” But she was laughing and shaking her head. “Oversharing. We’ve talked about this.”
“You know, I told him about your condom in the wallet lecture. I’ve converted another one. You should be proud of me. I’m spreading your wisdom worldwide. He understood the severity of the rule, and I’m pretty sure he will think twice before carrying one in his wallet ever again.” I grinned.
Mom rolled her eyes and took my cheeks between her palms, kissing me with a loud smacking noise. “Sometimes you’re a joy. Other times, I wonder how I survived raising you.”
“You love me.”
“I love you to the moon and back, sunshine. Although, I was much happier when I was oblivious to your sexual endeavors. Remember when you used to call them study dates? Why did that stop? Can we go back to that?”
“Let’s be honest. Who was I fooling? Not you. Clearly.”
“I liked pretending. Pretending made this poor mother’s heart less frantic with worry.”
I chuckled. “You know I’m fine.”
“I know. I didn’t raise an idiot.”
“I gotta run, Mom. Study date.” I winked.
She rolled her eyes again. “If your study date turns serious, I want to meet him.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Although, I’m not sure the university has a meet the teacher night. I’ll check.”
“Skylar Christopher, I hope you’re joking.”
“Oops.” I wasn’t sorry. I backed out the door, laughing. “Bye, Mom. I’ll try not to get detention.”
I drove straight to Jason’s, my insides bubbling like they had when I was fifteen and had approached the stupidly cute boy working the booth at the movie theater. He had been my first crush, and he’d caused a foray of butterflies in my belly every time I was in his presence. This thing with Jason was almost the same. He’d only been gone a few days, but I was so eager to see him I was trembling with excitement.
I parked in the parking structure and ducked between the buildings to get around front so I could buzz him. A guy stood by the main doors, puffing on a cigarette, long black hair framing his face and falling past his chin. His shoulders hovered by his ears, and he bounced on his toes, looking cold.
When he saw me, he flicked his butt on the ground and followed me inside the little room between doors. Before I could buzz Jason, the guy bumped my shoulder. “Here, I’ve got it.”
He produced keys and unlocked the door.
“You’re just going to let me in without knowing who I am?”
“You’re here all the time. I’ve seen you come and go.” He held the door with his foot, waiting for me to grab it.
“Thanks.”
The guy followed me to the stairs, and we climbed together.
“You live here?” I asked.
“Nah, my girlfriend does.”
“Ah.” Then it clicked. He was one half of the drunken couple from the other night.