Chapter Thirteen
Thirteen
Tristan
I should have turned off my phone before putting it in my locker.
The engine of my old Bronco turns over, and I stare down at the absolutely ridiculous number of texts in the Golden Girls (and Tristan) group chat, a sick feeling in my stomach.
My phone has less than twenty percent charge, which means they’ve been blowing it up all day.
I lean back against the headrest, blow out a breath, and close my eyes.
I am sick of trying to clean up my mom’s messes only to turn around and have her act like I’m a piece of shit.
Guilt immediately follows that thought, and I open my eyes, staring up at the tan headliner it took me ages to source.
I ignore the group chat and quickly tap on Michelle’s name. The chat is blessedly empty, brand-new and completely devoid of guilt trips that concern my family.
Tristan
Our next date will be held at Cherry Poppin Karaoke
I copy and paste the location into the new chat, watching the dots appear and disappear as Michelle types out a response.
Tristan
I’ll pick you up at eight on Saturday. Last free weekend before the season starts
Michelle
It’s not a date, it’s a lesson
and I can’t sing
plus I already have plans
She already has plans? Jealousy rears its ugly head, and my molars grind against each other.
Tristan
Lemme guess, you’re binge-watching bake-off
and you’re hot for Paul Hollywood
Michelle
no and yes, isn’t everyone?
Tristan
who’s the guy?
Fuck. I slam my hands into the steering wheel, wishing I could erase that message.
Michelle
Paul Hollywood? Only the bread master.
No guy. Abigail’s in town
I planned a girls’ night
Tristan
Bring them
We can do it in a group
Michelle
What do you mean by “it”?
I let out a guttural groan. This woman is going to drive me out of my fucking mind. Before I can think about it, I’ve typed a response.
Tristan
Karaoke, obviously. If you want another “it,” that will never be in a group setting. I don’t share
I should not have typed that. Clenching my teeth, my breath hisses out from between them. A car horn sounds, and I flinch as Djimon passes behind me, then force myself to wave a hand at him in the rearview as he continues to honk.
My phone vibrates as another text comes through from Michelle. My heart thrums against my ribs, and I make myself read her response.
Michelle
You do know this is my work phone, right?
Air floods my lungs as I finally breathe. She didn’t completely cockblock me, and she would have been well within her rights to do so.
Tristan
I was talking about a pasta dinner at my house. That will be just you and me. Paul Hollywood, master baker, has nothing on what I can do
Michelle
It’s not a girls’ night if a bunch of dudes come
It takes all of my energy not to make a joke about coming. I am not gonna scare her off by acting like an idiot. Nope.
Tristan
You lost this bet, not me. Are you trying to worm your way out of it?
and from what I saw this morning, we’re all still planning to do what you want with community service
Michelle
oh, really? And what did you sign up for?
Tristan
I was waiting to see what you were doing, because I’m going to be on you like fleas on a dog
I really wish my brain would let me think instead of just making my fingers type out the first thing that comes to mind.
Michelle
I’ll be sure to wear a flea collar then
I huff a laugh at her quick retort.
Tristan
Probably a good idea
Karaoke, pick you up at eight. Get your girls to come. Just trust me on this one
My phone vibrates again with an immediate response from her, and I can’t stop the grin that stretches across my face.
Michelle
you’re pushy when you want to be
Tristan
you bring out the best in me
Michelle
fine. I’ll tell the girls. But only because I don’t go back on my bets
Ha. She’s competitive, and I fucking love it.
I knew that line about worming out of it would get to her.
I send her ten worm emojis and then stick the phone on the charger, still ignoring the messages from my sisters.
I’ll deal with whatever drama needs dealing with after my phone is charged and I’m home.
Besides, I’ve got a karaoke lesson to plan.