”You gonna give me the deets now or later?” she asks me.
“Later,” I respond quickly, my eyes sliding over to Harley and then back to the window. His eyes are trained on the road, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel.
“Okay. I’m holding you to it,” she declares. “What time are you coming over tonight?”
Mother fucking shit balls.I completely forgot about my best friend's birthday party at her family lake house.
“Oh, Ensley, I might stay in tonight. It’s been a long…” I try to back out of going out and avoid being around people.
“Absolutely the fuck not, Ember Rose Alden,” she stops me immediately. “You hop your little ass in that car and come the fuck over.”
Fuck my life.
“Okay, okay, damn. I’ll head over when I get home,” I utter. “Oh, do you have the wings I needed for my costume?”
Harley looks over and raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say a word. He pulls into the driveway and makes no move to get out of the car. He just sits quietly while I finish talking to Ensley.
”Yes! I have the wings. They’re already sitting out.” I hear her shuffling around on the other end of the phone. “Just don’t forget the fishnets and the boots.”
“Yes, mother. I’ll be sure to bring my fishnets and boots.” I laugh as I mock her. “I’ll let you know when I’m on my way.”
”Okay! Love you. Byyyyyye!” she yells into the phone before ending the call.
The phone goes silent and I lock it before setting it in my lap. I look over at Harley.
“Plans for the night?” he asks, his tone sharp.
“Yeah, I forgot about Ensley’s birthday party tonight. I don’t really want to go, but she’s not letting me out of it,” I say quietly, looking down at my hands.
“Maybe a good thing,” he says, matter of factly.
Oh, really? Hmph.
“Yeah, I guess maybe it will be.” I find myself snapping back quickly.
“Alright if I come in and get my gym bag?” he asks, hand on the door handle.
“By all means,” I tell him, shoving the car door open. I slam the door shut, harder than I’d intended, but fuck it. I’m not entirely sure what has his ass hairs in a twist, but he can shove it where the sun doesn't shine.
We enter the house, and Harley immediately walks down the hall to the bedroom. I walk forward, getting a glass of water from the kitchen. I stand with my hip resting against the counter.
Harley shuffles around for a few minutes in the bedroom before he approaches the kitchen, stopping at the doorway. He holds the strap of the gym bag as it rests at his side.
“Have a good night, Ember. Be safe.” He walks over, stopping in front of me. He places his hand on the side of my head and kisses my forehead. “I set your overnight bag on the bed for you, since I was already grabbing mine from the closet.”
“Thanks. I’ll be safe.” I give him a clipped smile.
“I love you, Ember,” he says, and before I can respond, he strides out of the house.
I stand there for a minute, trying to process the emotions I’m feeling. Before I can take too much time, my phone buzzes. A text from Ensley, reminding me to bring another item for the costume.
I push off the counter and head to my room. Just as he said, the bag sits on the bed. I jump into the shower for a quick all over shower. I wash my hair, shave my legs, and wash my face. I quickly slip on some loose fitting sweat pants and a tank top. I bend over with my hair fallen forward and blow dry my wet hair.
Usually, I would have my GRWM playlist playing, but I get ready in complete silence. My own thoughts are loud enough right now, never mind the sound of the blow dryer that’s about to send me into a fit of overstimulation.
Once my hair is dried and twisted into a claw clip, I enter my bedroom. I round up all of the items Ensley demanded I bring for my costume, tossing them carelessly into the overnight bag. I dig in my closet and pull out my knock off Doc Martins I’ve had for years. I throw them on my bed and head back into the bathroom to find all the make up I’m going to need for my costume makeup tonight.
After I’ve done a final roll call for all the items I need, I grab the bag and head into the living room. I grab my phone charger and toss it on top of my bag.
