AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Haven turns smug. “If you say so.”
I want to escape this topic so I mention the election. Haven yawns loudly, an unsubtle message that this conversation does not meet her standards.
Her family has contributed a hefty dollar amount to my father’s campaign but Haven might be unaware of this. My father shrugged off my concerns when I brought up the fact that the Marchenko family are not the kind of people you want to owe favors to.
To him, money is money and the source is irrelevant. There are times when I wonder why he insisted that I need to manage his campaign. He dismisses nearly all of my advice.
When a nurse arrives to escort Lita to her daily physical therapy session, it feels like a cue for me to leave. Haven stretches her long legs out on the futon as soon as I stand.
“Be a pal and flip the light off when you leave.” She’s already closing her eyes.
Given the fact that she runs a strip club that operates all hours of the night, she probably has some sleep to catch up on. I’d say it’s likely she’s wearing the same outfit she wore last night and hasn’t been to bed yet.
I’m about to leave her alone when I spot a cozy knit blanket left behind on Lita’s armchair. Feeling oddly maternal, I use it to cover Haven’s exhausted form. Lita, I know, would approve.
Haven’s forehead ripples but then smooths out. I nearly miss hearing her softly murmured words. “Thank you.”
Then I shut the light off as she asked.
I’m still trekking back to my car when my phone pings with a text from Dani.
Avoiding me?
The guilt is instant.
No, I haven’t been avoiding her. I just haven’t been as talkative this week out of fear that the person who probably knows me better than anyone else in the world will guess the truth.
When Dorothy Ann Gallagher moved to the neighborhood at the start of junior year I felt like I had been granted my biggest wish. Growing up at the mercy of Micah and his cousins, constantly being tossed into the lion’s den of their rough and tumble boy world, all I wanted was a real best friend of my own.
Well, I hit the best friend jackpot with Dani. She’s funny and she’s wise and she’s loyal. I admire her and I’m proud to call her my best friend. I can tell her absolutely anything.
Well, usually.
The words, “I fucked your brother,” just don’t roll right off the tongue.
Rather than tap out an awkward message, I duck into my car and call her directly.
She picks up immediately. “Are you live from the campaign trail?”
“Nope, although I have to swing by headquarters today. Dad’s on the rally circuit all weekend. You haven’t found a new best friend to replace me, I hope.”
“Please. As if my Tess could be replaced.”
I smile. “I’ve missed you.”
“Prove it. Come over tomorrow. You live two blocks away and I hardly see you. We’re having a watch party for Conner’s away game.”
I chew my thumbnail and try to sound casual. “So who will be there?”
“The usual cast of characters. Uncle H and Matilda will come by for at least a little while with Charlotte. Did I already tell you she has a new puppy? She’s bringing him. Cecile hasn’t been feeling well and doesn’t seem to want company so she’ll be at home. Alta might shock us and show up. And of course Micah will be there but I know you’re skilled at avoiding each other.” She laughs.
Oh Dani, if only you knew...
Dani takes my silence as an opening. “Come on, Tess. You’re going to put yourself in the hospital from overwork. You have to come. I’m making your favorite vegetable dip.”
“The one with the water chestnuts?”
“Yes. I’ll even put it in a sourdough bread bowl and I won’t let anyone else touch it but you.”
