“I love the smell of brand-new cars. When did you buy her?”
He starts the engine, and she roars to life. “I love the way you just referred to the car as her. She is nice, isn’t she? I had an old one and traded it in about a month ago for this beauty. She runs like a dream and will come in handy during the winter.”
I groan. I hate winter, and I equally hate snow.
He drives out of the parking lot laughing. “You really don’t like the winter, do you? I remember when you first started working with us—it was the middle of for winter, and you were an unhappy snow bunny.”
“I can’t stand it. I think I need to move farther south where I can have sun all year round.”
He glances towards me with a smile. “I have an uncle who lives in Florida. Maybe we can move down there together and enjoy the Sunshine State.”
I laugh at his joke, but I somehow feel that a part of him isn’t joking.
We get to the movie theater in no time at all and grab our tickets. We queue up to get some popcorn and Michael buys some M&M’s, quickly informing me that I look a little thin and that curves suit me much better. I nudge him in the arm but accept the chocolate. I’m on my period, so I’m craving something sweet anyway.
“You know, there’s some talk about some of us guys going to the Bahamas for a few days in November. You may want to go with Jessie. I think it’s still warm there around that time of year.”
This is news to me. “Really, are you going?”
He nods his head. “I think I will. It should be fun.”
I suddenly realize that I haven’t got my passport. My mum sorted all that stuff out for me, and it’s been a while since I travelled anywhere.
“I would have to apply for a passport. I haven’t even got one. Do you know what documents you need to apply for one?”
He slightly rears his head back in shock. “You don’t have a passport?”
I shake my head. “Well, my mum took care of all that for me. I’m not going to go and ask her. Things between us are kind of … well, awful.”
His lips thin at my statement. “I’m sorry about that. I think you will need proof of your citizenship and your birth certificate.”
Oh, great, something else I haven’t got. “I’ve never seen my birth certificate.”
Michael snaps his head at me, looking hesitant to speak as we stand waiting in the line.
“You know, the internet is a great thing. You can find just about anything online. Try one of those government websites based in the UK. You should be able to trace yours from there. You can order it for a small fee, I think.”
I thank him, and we take our seats, just in time for the movie to start. Whether I go to the Bahamas or not, I do need a passport, and I’m glad to hear that I won’t have to approach my mother in order to handle that. Frankly, I’ll be happy if I never have to see the woman again. The knowledge that I will put all my efforts in to being a much better mother than she was—whenever I am hopefully blessed—is what puts a smile on my face as we settle in to watch the movie.
8
Michael is the perfect gentleman, but on occasion felt it necessary to feed me popcorn. I just laugh and let him carry on as I know he’s only doing it to try and fatten me up.
When the mediocre movie ends, we venture outside, and it hits me just how chilly it is. I’m glad when we get back to the car. Michael laughs at me as I try desperately to get warm.
“You know, you’re like a lizard. It’s not that cold outside.”
I playfully tsk at him. “Hey, I can’t help feeling the cold.” He laughs but kindly puts the heater on for me.
Very soon I’m feeling nice and toasty, and I almost fall asleep on the journey home—until I hear Michael cursing under his breath. I look up to see what’s caused his sudden anger when my eyes are met with a pair of piercing green ones I know all too well.
My heart races. My stomach drops. And as we near the parking lot, my gut twists at the knowledge that I can no longer run into his arms