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“Yeah, he and Uncle Cameron had another argument.”
“That sucks.”
“Yeah, I invited him over to get his side of the story before I talk to Cam.”
“You’re a good friend, Dad.” I went over and hugged him, guilt coiling around my heart.
I hated lying to him about Kaiden, but he wouldn’t understand, and he certainly wouldn’t accept it. Besides, I didn’t want to make something so intimate, public knowledge, not yet. It was too new, too fragile. I liked Kaiden, I liked him a lot. He made me feel brave and special, and even beautiful. He made me want to step out of my safe little bubble and take risks, because something told me, he would always catch me if I tripped.
A warm rush of happiness went through me, but it was quickly chased away by my current reality.
“How’s Peyton?” Dad asked.
“She’s okay, worried about what happens when her mom gets out of rehab.”
“Yeah… she’s not the only one.” His eyes crinkled. “But whatever happens, I want you to know our door will always be open to her.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I hugged him again, wondering when life became so complicated.
“Have you given college any more thought? I know your mom talked to you about it.”
“I’m still considering my options,” I said, putting some distance between us.
“You know, I think she’s right. I think it could be a good thing for you, Lily.”
“I’m thinking about it,” I repeated, a thousand spiders crawling under my skin.
“Okay, there’s still plenty of time.”
There was.
And it wasn’t a decision I could just make, like Ashleigh who had her heart set on UPenn, or Peyton who knew she wanted to take a year out and travel. Even my sister knew what she wanted to do with her life.
But all I’d ever wanted was to feel normal.
Everything else had kind of taken a back seat.
Peyton entered the kitchen, dragging her body over to one of the stools. “Morning,” she said around a big yawn.
“Coffee?” Dad asked.
“Yes, please.”
“Didn’t you sleep?” I asked her.
“On and off. Got a lot going round in my head.” She gave me a weak smile, and I reached over, squeezing her hand.
“You know we still haven’t talked about the party Friday.” My dad gave her a pointed look.
“Crap,” she groaned, “I was hoping we could skip over that.”
“You might think I’m an ancient dinosaur, but I remember being a senior and I know the signs of a hangover when I see one.”
Peyton had avoided my parents most of the day yesterday, but obviously my dad had a stronger Spidey sense than she gave him credit for.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Can we just file it away under ‘I promise not to do it again anytime soon?’”
