worked for my dad for so long that she’s like an aunt to me.
“He’s stuck in a meeting.” She lets out a sigh, clearly not happy with him about missing the call. It’s okay for him to miss this call but if the shoe were on the other foot, I’d never hear the end of it.
“It’s cool.” Why do I feel disappointed? When I called I was hoping he wouldn't answer. It’s probably because once again I’m not a priority to him. I never was and I never will be. I have to learn to accept it.
“How is school?” she asks with genuine concern in her voice. “Are you still liking your roommate?”
“Everything is good. I still suck at math and Trinity hasn’t moved out yet so I’m taking that as a good sign that she still seems to like me. Don’t tell Dad but she’s dragging me out to a party tonight.”
“You make it sound like that’s a bad thing, Quinn. You should be going out and having fun.” This sofa is fun. It’s comfy like my socks. What happened to the whole Netflix and chill craze? Did I miss that fad? When is Trin going to fall into that one?
“I know. I’m going.” I let out a long sigh, sitting up. “You know I don’t like crowds.” I keep thinking of all the movies I’ve seen. Those frat houses are always crammed with people. The music blaring. It isn’t only the crowds but the idea of being trapped, unable to move.
“Yes, but the best way to get over these things is to face them.”
“Are you going to hold a spider?”
“There is no reason I need to hold a spider. That is not a skill I’ll ever need for everyday life.” I fight a laugh at her stern tone. “You’re a brat.” I sit up laughing, crossing my legs under me.
“I’m going. I might find some hot guy I can bring home on my next break. Surprise Dad. I bet he’d love that.”
“Ha ha. Let’s not push it. Getting him to agree to let you go out of state for college was hard enough.” That had taken both of us. Thank God Trudy is always on my side. She has a way with my dad. She’s the only one that can ever seem to get through to him. “He wants you to call him tomorrow. Can you swing that?”
“Oh, you know me. My Saturdays are packed full. Let me check my busy social calendar to see if I have an opening.”
“This new college is making you sassy. I like it.” I smile into the phone. “Have fun but be safe. I love you,” she tells me.
“I love you, too.” I end the call. Trin comes bouncing in the front door a minute later.
“You’ve got to get better at locking the door,” she tells me.
“Sorry.” It isn’t a habit I am used to. I also don’t want to admit it wasn't a habit because at home no one could get near our front door. You had to pass through the front gate that had a guard at it. My dad does not mess around when it comes to safety.
“Two girls living together. We have to lock the door.” She turns, flicking the lock. I know she’s right. I’m learning that I’m not the most street smart person. “So what are we wearing?” She drops her bag down at the door.
“Jeans and a shirt?”
“Oh, look at you. Getting wild and not wearing yoga pants.”
“Are you being sarcastic?” Sometimes I’m not actually sure.
“Yes.” She walks over towards me, pulling my hair out of the ponytail I have it in. “Let’s get ready.”
“It’s only seven. Don’t these things start late?” I yawn thinking about it. I should have taken a nap.
“We’re going to eat first.” I perk up at that. Trin has a car which means we can go somewhere good.
“I’ll be ready in five minutes.” I pop up from the sofa. She grabs my arm.
“You’re not getting ready in five minutes.”
“I gotta at least put pants on.” I look down at my bare legs. We don’t have to leave right this second. I’m hungry and all, but pants are a must.
“I meant that it’s going to take us an hour to get ready.” I know this is not a fight I’m going to win. I lean down, grabbing the gummy bears off the coffee table to hold me over.
“You’re going to do my hair and makeup, aren't you?” She’s been trying to