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It almost sounds like…but no. I’ve got to be wrong.
Just as I’m rewinding the argument, Paige turns to me, her face an uncomfortable mixture of anger and guilt.
“Come on, Dash. Let’s go.”
“Baby girl—”
“Paige—” Mrs. Keller and Charlie try to talk to her, stop her, at the same time, but Paige backs away from them, her arms held up almost as if she’s defending herself.
“No. I’m sorry, Mama Keller. Papa Keller. If I’d known tonight was an ambush, I wouldn’t have agreed to it. And Charlie—” her voice cracks, and I’m on my feet at the devastated sound. Thankfully, she doesn’t ward me off like everyone else, letting me support her with my palm against her back. “I know you think I’m stupid when it comes to men. But, he’s not Martin.”
Her friend’s eyes go wide, and he steps towards her, which only drives Paige stumbling back into my chest. “I don’t think—”
“Bullshit. You’ve hadmonthsto bring up Germany again. But you wait until now?” She shakes her head and grabs my hand. “We’re going to pass on dinner.”
I let her drag me from the kitchen, throwing an apologetic look at the Keller’s while I avoid Mrs. Herbert’s searching gaze.
To be honest, I never really expected to get Paige’s Dad’s approval. But her mom? I guess after getting invited into her garage again, I’d let myself hope.
Now that’s all gone to shit. I heard the horror in Mrs. Herbert’s voice when my past got dragged out into the open.
When Paige swings open the front door, I hear the distinct clicking of claws on the hardwood floor. The two of us glance back to see a certain pit bull, liquid brown eyes staring up at us expectantly.
“Pumpkin, car.” Gone is the uncertainty in Paige’s voice. The command comes out distinct, leaving no room for question.
Pumpkin gives a happy puppy grin, completely unaware of the tension overflowing in the house. She trots out the front door to sit meekly beside the Impala.
“You okay with going for a drive?” The confidence Paige just demonstrated with her dog seeps away as she stares at my chin, not meeting my eyes.
It’s like she’s already slipping away from me, and on pure reflex, I tighten my hold on her hand.
“Wherever you want to go. I’m there.”
Apparently, ‘wherever’ is the drive-through of a fried chicken joint.
Paige’s face drips in guilt as she glances down at the gear shift between us. “Since we’re missing dinner.”
“I wouldn’t say no to some food.” I only have five bucks in my wallet, but I’d give up a whole paycheck just to see her smile again.
Paige orders a family meal and resolutely ignores my attempt to hand her my cash. With the tantalizing scent of extra crispy chicken filling the car, I think Pumpkin and I are drooling equal amounts. After cruising around, Paige pulls off into the empty parking lot of a strip mall.
The three of us share the food, eating in silence. I don’t think she’s trying to ignore the drama from earlier. Just sift through it.
“I told you my parents were overprotective,” her murmur fills the silence of the car.
“Yeah. I can’t say I’m surprised about their concern.” Every day I wish I had made better choices. And now more than ever, I just want to be a decent guy who deserves a girl like Paige.
“I’m not talking about that shit show.” She chews her lip. “Well, maybe I am a little. But I’m trying to confess something here.”
What in the world would Paige have to confess to me?
Suddenly my stomach isn’t so happy about the chicken and biscuits.
“When I was in high school, they finally trusted me to stay home alone. It was their anniversary, and they wanted to go away together for the weekend. I was so excited because there was going to be a party that Saturday night, and I could finally go. No parents around to stop me. My first party.” Her voice holds a hint of the excitement a younger version of her must have been feeling. “So, I went, and it was crazy. Loud music, lots of people were dancing and drinking. I didn’t drink.” She grips my arm as if scared I would judge her.
Wonder how she’d feel knowing I had my first beer when I was fourteen. Stole if from my Dad, and got my ass beat for the trouble.
She continues with her confession, not knowing the dark memory lane I started to head down. “But just being in that house with all that energy, it was a different type of intoxicating. Plus, guys were finally starting to talk to me. Maybe it was because they were drunk, but they didn’t seem to think I was weird anymore. One in particular I’d had a crush on for a while paid me particular attention.”
