My lips formed a tender smile. She wasn’t always the most responsible, but she had stunned me at the end of last summer when she’d sat me down all mom-like and told me to quit my job at the coffee house in town to focus on my senior year. She said she’d taken on more shifts at the club, and she’d cover everything because she wanted me to reach my full potential. I’d argued, worried about how we'd get by, but she’d assured me she made good money at the club. There'd been an air of determination in her I’d never seen before, so I’d agreed. This time last year, I’d wanted nothing more than to go to college. Not too far away—I wanted to be able to get back within a few hours if Mom ever needed me—but somewhere out of state. Somewhere else.
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Now, I just wanted to be here. For Reno. With Reno. I was that girl, the one who built her life around a guy. But my actions were justifiable because this guy… needed me. Even if he didn’t know it.
“Morning, campers!” Liss hollered as she burst through the door. I blinked rapidly, clearing the emotion from my eyes, and turned to face her at the same time my mom did. Mom’s face broke into a wide smile as she lurched forward, grabbing Liss in a tight hug.
“Liss!” she screeched. “I haven’t seen you in so long!”
Mom and Liss fricking adored each other. My lips molded into a smile. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear someone switched Liss and I at birth; she could easily be my mom’s daughter.
“It’s afternoon, dumbass.”
Liss pulled back, frowning at me. “Not to me. I woke up like twenty minutes ago.” And yet, here she was, looking like a supermodel in her short shorts and sheer cover up. Not fair. Her eyes scanned over my outfit, baggy sweats and a stained shirt, zero makeup. Laundry chic. Her frown deepened. “You’re not even remotely ready.”
I threw out an arm. “Blame this dirty stop out, she’s been regaling me with tales of Marshall and his magic hands.”
Mom grinned. Liss immediately swung back to her, eyes gleaming. “Tell me everything!”
“Mom,” I warned, heading for the bathroom, “just remember Liss is still a minor for a couple more weeks. Her parents probably wouldn’t approve of that kind of talk.”
Liss’ head snapped round to toss me a scowl. “You evil little wench.”
I raised both palms, giggling. “Lucky for you, that’s never stopped her before.”
“Hey,” Liss began, focus shifting to the letter I hadn’t shredded to pieces and set alight yet. I’d received an email before the letter. It sat in my deleted folder. Where no-one could see it. “Is that...?”
“She got in!” Mom squealed. “I never doubted for a second. She skipped kindergarten, you know, Alissa.”
I blew out a breath and swiped a hand over my face.
Liss' eyes widened, a wide grin emerging as she nodded. “I do know! Riley… that’s amazing!” I lowered my gaze, bringing the letter back behind me, noting her smile slip and brows knit. “It is amazing, right? What’s going on? What am I missing?” I could feel her eyes shifting between my mom and me.
“Nothing,” I assured her. “It’s just... a big decision.”
Her eyebrows drew together. “What? Riley... there is no decision. I mean, you already made this decision. Didn’t you?” Her head flitted to my mom, who shrugged a little, hands lifting out at her sides. Liss rolled her lips together, schooling her features. “Look, go get dressed before you make us late. We’ll talk later. But now, I want to hear all about Marshall and those hands!” She rubbed her hands together.
“You really don’t,” I muttered, walking through the bathroom door. But not before I heard...
And exactly how old is Marshall, Amy?
A senior in college, he’s got stamina for days. The young ones always do.
I palmed my forehead.
My mother, ladies and gentleman.
“What’s going on?” Liss asked, eyes ahead.
The breeze tossed her hair around her shoulders as we drove across town. Danny’s parents were among the most well off in the town. Not crazy rich or anything, but he had a big house with a small pool. Spring had definitely sprung. It was the hottest day of the year so far. So, pool party.
Diverting my attention out the passenger window, I hooked a finger over the lowered glass and shrugged. “Nothing. I just... haven’t decided what I want to do yet.”
“Because of Reno.” She knew without me saying a word. So, I said nothing. “Ri—”
“God, I know, Liss,” I said, my tone harsher than I’d intended. My head shook as I pivoted to face her. In a calmer voice, I told her, “I’m thinking maybe I’ll hold off for a couple of years. Then, you know, see how things are. Things should have settled by then. It’s not like I’m not going to school.”
“And is this what he wants?” I detected the doubt in her voice.