20. Lolly
twenty
Lolly
I kick my boots off and lean back onto the bed, grateful the week is over. “Jinx wants to go to Disco this weekend,” Jay says through a yawn.
Of course they do. It’s been a week since my night with Bailey, and all I can think about is having him in my arms again.
“Tonight or tomorrow night?” I ask, hoping I can figure out a way to see my green eyes. If he’ll have me.
“My vote is tomorrow,” he answers. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Are you ever?”
Jay laughs.
“Fair.”
My phone rings, “Hey, Mom,” I smile.
“Hey, Love, how are you?”
“I’m doing well, how are you? How’s the garden?”
“Oh,” she pauses. “I’m—I’m not sure, Oliver. Ask me again after I’ve had my coffee?”
“Okay, Mom.” My heart sinks in my chest.
“Did I tell you Cathleen brought a lovely casserole over?”
Yes.
“No, what did she make you?” I ask, hoping my voice doesn’t betray me.
“Poppyseed chicken. My favorite,” she sings.
“That was kind of her, Mom. I’m glad you have so many good friends.”
“Me too, hun. Me too.”
She’s quiet for a beat.
“Well, I just wanted to say that I love you,” she says, voice softer now.
Warmth floods my chest.
“I love you too, Mom. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I end the call and find Jay watching me, eyebrows raised. “How is she?”
“She sounds happy today, but she told the casserole story again,” I say, rubbing my face with my hands. “And she was confused when I asked her about the garden,” I sigh.
“I’m sorry, man.”
“Me too,” I reply.