the couch curled under her blanket.
I trudge up the sidewalk to the school. I don’t bother looking around, already knowing what I’ll see. The same thing as every other school day.
The small bowl of fruity pebbles I ate this morning feels like lead in my stomach, but I still packed a sandwich and drink for lunch.
After counting the money I have left this morning, I’m contemplating stopping by the diner to see if Maggie could use me today or tomorrow. The lot rent is paid for the full month, so I don’t have to worry about that yet, but cost of food, and the potential expensive of anything going wrong with the trailer is heavy on my mind. I’ve already decided I’ll just grab a few things from the convenience store when I need them instead of wasting money on gas to drive to the grocery store.
The first couple hours of class drag, every time I look at the clock only minutes have passed. I’m sitting in third hour, doodling on my notes and expecting Ollie to show up any minute. I’m not sure how to act after yesterday. Will he completely ignore me, like he did most of the car ride home? But he never shows up. I make a point to look for him, Dante, and Milo in the halls as I’m changing classes. I spot Delaney and her crew of cronies a few times, but not the guys. I don’t see them all day at school.
As I approach the diner I see Dante’s car in the lot. I have a moment of indecision. Should I still go in, or just head home? I could ask Dante if he found my keys. I only have the spare set now, and if something should happen to them I’d really be in trouble.
The question is answered for me when he opens the door, and all three guys trail out, never looking in my direction. I slow my pace and wait for them to enter the car and pull from the lot before I head into the mostly empty restaurant. Maggie looks up with a slight frown. “You just missed the boys.” Her eyes dart behind me to the parking lot.
“Oh, I saw them, they were headed out when I walked up.” I drop my jerry-rigged backpack to the floor and take a seat at the bar away from the other customers.
Maggie’s brow furrows. “I think they were going to find you.”
I scratch the side of my nose, “Why?”
She gives an exaggerated eye roll. “Something about Ares interrupting you guys’ study date yesterday. Sometimes I think that boy really took that name his momma gave him to heart.”
“That’s Dante’s brother, right?” I realize I just stumbled onto a goldmine. Maggie probably has more information than the guys would ever divulge.
Maggie leans forward on the counter, dropping her elbows with a sigh. “Yes, you’d think those boys hated each other with how much they argue and fight.” She shakes her head slowly.
“Do they?” I question when she doesn’t say anything else.
“Course not.” She stands back looking affronted. “All four of them boys grew up together. Ares is the oldest, so he always took on all the responsibility for them. Only thing is, you can’t be the loving big brother and the father figure too. Sometimes they’re bound to bump heads. Now that the boys are older, and Ares is coming home, I’d assume things will get righted real quick.” She looks at me then with a strange gleam in her eye.
“You know I recognized you the moment you walked through the door.” Her grin is smug. I stiffen, recognized me from where? Maggie continues, not noticing my discomfort. “I know a hard worker when I see’em.” I blow out a deep breath before placing my hands on the counter.
“Speaking of working, do you need any help here today or tomorrow?” I swivel on the stool watching her as she grabs a towel to wipe down the bar.
She eyes me from the side. “You can’t work seven days a week and go to school, I won’t hear of it. Now, how’s about a piece of pie? Gus just made up an apple pie that I’ve been dying for any excuse to cut into.” Maggie drops the towel and heads to the back through the double doors without waiting for an answer.
The pie is delicious as promised. But I can’t let go of all the worries hanging over my head. So, I end up