Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I stab at my eggs, taking another bite. “You’re in a mood.” Sarah raises an eyebrow at me. She probably knows me better than my parents at this point. While I love my mom, she gets so wrapped up in what my dad is doing that it can consume her. That means that there’s long periods of time that she’s absent from what’s going on with me. I’m lucky to have Sarah. She’s always a constant in my life.
“You seen my mom?” I ask. I don’t think she or my father came home last night. I’m guessing they aren't together. My mom’s cupcake still sits in the box on the counter untouched. She hardly eats sweets but Milly's cupcakes are her weakness.
“She went to the Springs.” I nod, taking another bite of my eggs. It’s where she always goes when she gets all worked up about my dad. It’s a healing center spa. I think they just suck money from you. She always comes back in a better mood, though, so it must do some good for her. It usually only lasts until my dad’s next indiscretion and then the cycle starts all over again.
“Am I going to have to pull it from you?” I look back up at Sarah as she dries a pan.
“Sleepy,” I admit. I’m hurt too but I keep that to myself. My mom is expressive enough for all of us. I think it’s why I picked up art at such a young age. It is how I express myself without opening my mouth. I spent a few hours in my studio this morning. It usually takes the edge off but today it didn’t work. Never rely on a man. My mom’s somber words repeat in my head. Lesson learned and rather quickly at that. I started to let Brad in just a little bit and already he’s disappointed me. I counted on him to help me with my trig but after his hasty text response, I took the hint and even though it cost me some sleep, I figured it out myself. I don’t need anything from him.
“Nothing to do with you having people over? You never have people over.”
“You just want someone to cook for,” I tease her. “I’m not enough for you? I can eat for three.”
“That you can.” She laughs, putting the dishes away.
“Thanks.” I grab my backpack, heading out the front door to my car. My father is pulling up as I’m pulling out. His suit is wrinkled and I don’t know if he stayed at his secret condo in the city or he’s been out all night. I don’t really care either way. I’m just happy that I don’t have to talk to him.
He gives me a chin nod as if we are old buddies and not father and daughter. I fight not to roll my eyes because it would start a fight and fighting with him is pointless. I force a smile and return my chin up before pulling out and heading to school.
My phone dings when I pull into my assigned spot. I grab it. A stupid part of me hopes that it’s Brad saying sorry for being a dick and giving me the cold shoulder. Maybe I deserved it. I was a dick to him when we first met but I tried to make it up last night. Look what that got me.
When I see him today I’m going to tell him I’m finding someone else to tutor me. I have already checked online and one of the local colleges has students who do it for some extra cash. Then I am going to tell him not be the dumbest smart person and do shit for Mark. He’s going to get himself thrown in jail. Clearly he has a little sister that he needs to think about here. Then I will be done with Brad. I’ll wipe my hands clean and walk away.
Well, until Belle needs her hair colored again. Then he can drop her off and pick her up. I’m not about to break my promise to the little girl. Her brother might be a dick but she isn’t. She is sweet with a nice side of I’m-trying-to-find-myself brat mixed in.
A text lights up from Belle. I forgot I’d given her my number last night.
Belle: Everyone LOVES my hair!
Me: Obviously. It’s super cute and you can pull it off. Not everyone can.
I smile that she’s so happy. Her age can be killer. All the confidence you can get at her age, the better.
Belle: My brother says he tutors you? Is he doing it today after school? Maybe I can tag along?
Shit. What do I say to that? I have to think about it for a second before I respond. Another text pops up before I can think of one.