Chapter 18
Ben, March 30
??“Ben, can I eat this?” Zach, by far the most annoying of my two flatmates, is holding up a bowl of leftover food.
I glance sideways at it before shrugging. “Go for it.”
“Thanks, mate.” He grabs a fork and digs in. “What’s the plan for today? You going into the office?”
Zach works with me. He knows they’ve been offering overtime to get the new section of the plant up and running. I’ve been using it as an excuse to work 65 to 70 hours a week for the last 32 days. It’s easier to drown in work than sit still long enough to think about what I gave up.
“That’s the plan,” I answer.
“How much sleep have you had?”
“Since when?”
“Since the last time you worked?”
“About four hours or so.” An outright lie. I left work four hours ago. With the drive home, I’ve probably only slept two and a half. But Zach can be obnoxious when he’s in protective mode, and I don’t need that shit. He thinks he’s looking out for me, but what I need is distance. From him. From everyone. From her.
“Well, I’m going to do bugger all today, I’m knackered.” Zach shoves an oversized bite into his mouth.
“You’ve been taking a lot of shifts too, yeah?” I ask, just to keep the conversation moving. Keeps me awake.
“Yeah, money’s good though.”
“Can’t argue with you there.”
“Alright.” Zach crams the last of the food into his mouth and chews quickly. “I’m gonna go lie on my bed, watch something useless, and probably pass out.”
He leaves me alone at the table with my laptop. I open up my work email, planning to send my boss a message that I’m coming in today.
There’s an email from an address I don’t recognize. Subject line: Reunion. I click it.
West High Graduates, Class of ’16:
Can you believe it’s been ten long years since our high school graduation? Our official graduation day, May 23rd, is only two months away! We’ve reserved a local hotel lounge for the evening immediately after the homecoming game, when our Tigers take on the East High River Otters. If you are receiving this email, we haven’t heard from you about whether you’ll be in attendance. Please RSVP ASAP. Thank you!
Candace Wish (Parson)
A reunion in Arizona?
No.
I close the email quickly. That is not an option.
For half a second, I let myself picture it: walking in, catching sight of her across the room. Maybe she’d smile. Maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe she’s already got her arm around him.
That last thought makes my stomach turn.
Arizona is Liz’s territory. I don’t belong there.
And if I’m smart, I’ll never go back.