Page 77 of Detour

“And with that, it is my absolute honor and privilege to congratulate this year’s graduating class!”

The noise is deafening as the senior class throws their caps in the air. I’d already decided on keeping mine, so I just remove it, running a hand over my hair instead. The boys in my section rip their gowns off—thankfully they’re dressed underneath—before sending them airborne, too, making everyone laugh. Beach balls and a half-inflated blow-up doll are bounced around the throng of students as families head down to reunite with their kids.

The seats the guys were previously camped in are now abandoned, surrounded by hordes of people descending the stairs. I try to focus on congratulating my classmates as they pass but my eyes keep landing on those empty seats.

I pull out my phone feeling it vibrate in my skirt only to find a text from Drew saying they’re outside. His keys still in my possession, I push through the packed floor, toward the exterior doors. With the crowd thick as mud, I’m forced to pause every few steps. I text him back, letting him know which door I’ll eventually be exiting.

Girls cry and hug as guys pose and laugh, all while proud parents capture every dramatic moment on their various devices. I swear someone’s using a full-sized tablet to take a selfie with their kid.

Finally, the sun hits like a runaway train in the dead of night, so I use my cap to shield my eyes until they can adjust to the harsh light. My eyesight fully restored, I glance around for any of the boys, except my eyes land on something else familiar. Parked in the grass, front and center, is my Jeep. The sea of bodies parts to reveal a huge red bow on the hood. What? Drew steps out from behind it, shaking with laughter.

“What is this?”

“I don’t know. I walked over to find you and saw it parked here already.” He purses his lips, holding in another laugh. “You didn’t know about this?”

“No. It’s been in the shop.” Why the hell would anyone bring my beat-up Jeep with a bow on it to my graduation anyway?

The revving of motorcycles, three to be exact, catch my attention and I look over to watch as my neighbors peel out onto the street. Of course. Of-fucking-course they did this.

I face Drew, then take in the gigantic bow. Onlookers share in his amusement and soon I join in, too, laughing until tears form in my eyes.

“I guess I don’t need a ride to the restaurant anymore,” I joke as I wipe under my eyes, careful not to smear any mascara. I hand over his keys before grabbing the massive pile of ribbon. I can only think of one colossal clown that would choose something so big. I toss it, along with my cap and gown, in the back.

“How are you going to get that out of here?”

“In drive probably,” I deadpan.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do. Now get in. I’ll drop you at your car so you can bask in the glory of riding in this hoopty, too. I don’t want to steal the show entirely.”

We climb in and I start the engine, taking a moment to appreciate the obnoxious sound I’ve missed all week. From the way people scatter, it seems I’m the only one appreciative of such a noise. My gaze meets Drew’s and we both crack up all over again. Maybe Luciana was right about letting go after all.

CHAPTER 27

Angela

“I can’t ask you to do that. It’s too much.”

Robert reaches out, covering my hand with his. I keep still even as my arm twitches. “No, it’s not. I should’ve done more to help a long time ago.”

At that I do slide my hand out from under his, grabbing my water instead. I study the droplets running down the glass.

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m not your obligation, so please don’t worry. I’ll figure it out on my own.”

“You’re not an obligation,” Drew protests harshly, earning himself a tight-lipped smile.

“It’s true, Angela, you’re not. You were my daughter, too, once upon a time.” My heart squeezes in my chest. Were. So close, yet so far away. “I’d be honored to help.”

Drew’s been filling his dad in on my college predicament over lunch—a nice affair I also tried to get out of but couldn’t—and apparently, the company they both work for has a program for their employees interested in taking business courses. The college keeps spots in certain classes at the ready as the firm offers first dibs on intern positions to top graduates. Robert offered to get me a spot in the summer course I was just turned away from.

“Thank you very much for the offer. And for the meal. It was nice to have some family,” I wince when my voice cracks, “there for me today.” I gulp down more water, hoping to drown the frog perched in my throat.

“You’re so strong. I’ve watched over the years, you know?” He looks between me and his son. “Andrew used to come home upset over what your mom would do, the things she’d say. God, it must’ve been hell for you all those years.”

“Dad.”

“Hear me out. Andrew wouldn’t always tell me what was going on, but having lived with Rianne myself, I could fill in the blanks.” He shivers quite theatrically and I would laugh except I know he’s not exaggerating. “The crap your mother put you through time and time again, and believe me here, Angela, nobody should have to go through that, especially not a child. And I am sorry that I couldn’t do more for you then. I tried though.” My gaze snaps to his. “Boy, did I try. A blind man could see how Rianne treated you was wrong and I may have been slow to catch on but I wasn’t blind. During the divorce, I offered her a larger sum if she’d allow you to come and live with me.” His sad eyes meet Drew’s. “I never told you that. I know it was a tough time there for a while, you choosing to live with your mom and all. Which I understand. I know I wasn’t the best father, to either of you, but I wanted to make things better for all of us.” He turns to me, water filling his bronze eyes. “But she wouldn’t agree.”