Bailey turns her attention back on me after grabbing my grey tunic and leggings. “Just be careful, and text me later.”
“I will.” I groan and sling my purse over my shoulder, following her out the door.
“Later, bitch,” she teases as she gets in her car.
Outside, I rush in hopes of grabbing a quick coffee from the Starbucks across the street. I am in desperate need of caffeine.
I’m standing in line waiting for my name to be called for my order when a call comes through from my mom. I sigh and answer knowing she won’t stop calling until I do anyway. “Good morning,” I say, already dreading the speech that is sure to come.
“Good morning, sweetheart. What are you up to today?”
As if she has forgotten.
“Getting a coffee,” I tell her just as my name is called.
“That’s nice. Are you on your way to class?”
She knows I’m not, today is Saturday, but part of me wants to lie and tell her what she wants to hear.
I don’t do that though. I get my drink and head back across the street to my car, as I talk. “Mom,” I say o
n a sigh. “You know what today is. You know where I am going and why.”
“I just don’t want him to hurt you or let you down.”
“He already did that when he went to prison thirteen years ago. It’s a little late to be concerned.” I take a sip of my latte careful not to burn my tongue.
“I didn’t call to argue, Conleigh Nicole. I’m your mother and I worry. Prisons are dangerous and you’re a pretty young girl.”
“I’ll be fine. There’s going to be plenty of people around. Lots of small children. There will only be twenty inmates present, including my dad. Stop being such a mom,” I joke, attempting to lighten her mood.
“It’s my job,” she says, her tone soft.
“I’m getting in my car. I’ll text or something when it’s over.”
“No, you’ll come for dinner and tell me about it. Okay?”
“Tomorrow,” I concede.
“Sunday, family dinner, don’t forget,” she confirms and tells me she loves me and to be safe for the millionth time. My mom wants the best for me, but we’ve never been what I would call close. Sure, she has provided me a good life, but I don’t go telling her my secrets or asking her for any real advice.
“Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, sweetheart.”
After surviving her call, I start my car and spend a moment enjoying my coffee while my car warms up.
My cell phone rings again. A text from Ezra.
Honeypie: Have a great day at work. I can’t wait to see you.
Snookems: You too! When does your flight land? Mom wants me over for Sunday dinner.
Honeypie: Late. I’ll probably crash as soon as I get in. You should go see your mom.
Ugh! Didn’t he just say he couldn’t wait to see me?
Snookems: Driving, talk to you later xx