Chapter 42
Forty-Two
“Do you want to get married someday?” Donna asks through the phone.
I choke on an inhale, sputtering and wheezing while launching upright on my bed.
She giggles. “I’m not proposing, silly. Just asking if this is part of your eventual life plan.”
“I’m not a big fan of the institution,” I croak, already regretting my honesty. I pound my fist into my chest attempting to dislodge whatever’s stuck in there.
“Why?”
“My parents aren’t the best role models.” Understatement of the year.
“Oh. Hmm. That doesn’t mean you’d be the same or wouldn’t be great at it. Don’t you want kids?”
What kind of question is this for a horny young dude? My sole goal is not to get anyone pregnant. Kids seem like another potential disaster—one you can’t undo. “I haven’t really thought about it.”
“I have,” she says dreamily, “and I definitely want both.”
Chicks. Always thinking this shit is going to play out like the fairytales. Until your husband throws you against the wall. God, I’m a sick bastard. “Yeah?”
“I’ve got it all figured out. I want three kids—two boys and a girl. But close in age, so they can be friends.”
“You know they’re going to fight too, right?”
“You’re such a pessimist.”
“Realist,” I correct. “I have brothers.”
“My sister and I get along fine.”
“Count yourself lucky.”
“If you love someone, I think you’d want to marry them. It will probably override all those ideas you have.”
“Maybe,” I hedge. I’d like nothing more than to end this conversation. Or this direction of it anyway.
“Did you decide what you’re doing after high school?” she asks. “I know you’re not hip on college.”
“I’m not against college,” I clarify, knowing she’s pursuing the traditional university route. “What interests me doesn’t require a four-year degree. I’m thinking about pursuing my mechanic’s certification, then getting a job working on cars.”
“That’s…interesting.” She pauses. “But isn’t it kind of greasy and dirty?”
“Comes with territory for sure.” I’ve never minded that aspect.
“I like solving problems…figuring out what’s wrong with a machine and then fixing it.
I’m good with vehicles, already have a knack for it, and you know I’m into cars, so becoming a mechanic is a natural progression that also pays the bills. Did you decide where you’re applying?”
“I narrowed it down to five. All in California though.”
“Cool,” I say. “You’re a smart girl. You’ll do great.” I would never hold her back, but what will happen to us if she moves far away?
“You wouldn’t mind if I’m in San Diego?” She sounds pouty.
“I would mind. But I’m not the kind of guy who will stand in the way of your dreams or success. Your independence is important, and so is doing what you think is best. What do you want to study?”
“I’m still undecided.”
“I don’t understand how colleges expect people our age to declare a major. How the hell does anyone decide what they want to do for the rest of their life at sixteen or seventeen? It’s ludicrous.”
She hums in agreement. “So…are you taking me to the Homecoming Dance?”
I chuckle. “It would be my pleasure.” Aside from wearing an uncomfortable suit.
She squeals and I yank the phone away from my ear.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first.”
“It’s okay. You’ll be at the game too, right?”
“I don’t bypass any opportunity to watch you cheer in that short-ass skirt, now do I?”
She giggles again. “Shoot, I have to go. My mom’s calling me. I miss you already.”
I grin into the receiver. It’s only been a day since we last saw each other. “I miss you too, baby.”
“Love you.”
“And I love you.”