Hooked (TKO 2)

Dad’s right. We see each other, but not as much as we should. Between him working, and me doing whatever I’m doing, our time together is scarce.

“We should take a weekend and go camping or something real soon. We haven’t gotten to do anything like that in a long time.”

“You’re right, son,” he says, closing his eyes for a moment. “Not since your mom got sick. Let me check my work schedule. The first weekend I’m off, we’ll make it happen.”

“Sounds good, Dad. I can’t wait.” I really can’t, especially if things at lunch don’t go well. I may be ready to get the hell out of town, and a weekend without cell service may be good medicine.

He stands, pushing his chair back, then rinses out his coffee cup in the sink. “I’m off to work. I know we didn’t get to talk much, but this made my morning. Have a good day, son. We’ll get that weekend planned.”

“Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to me too. I love you.”

“I love you too, son.” He grabs his wallet and keys, then heads out. There’s an almost tangible sorrow following him out the door.

I’m left alone with nothing but silence and a cup of coffee. I’m not much into praying, but I close my eyes and silently pray

for strength to get through this lunch. I’m not ready to have my hopes crushed yet again.

Once I’ve emptied my coffee mug, I’m able to move a little easier. I never asked where we were having lunch today, but I’m sure it’s nowhere fancy. I prefer to dress casual, because I have to go to Lou’s afterward. I grab a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt. After tying my shoes, I’m almost ready to go. I just need to give myself yet another pep talk. Who would have thought I’d be nervous to go to lunch? My palms are beginning to sweat. Hell, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to hold the steering wheel like this.

My phone dings and I grab it to see Raegan’s name. I open the message and my jaw hits the floor.

So, I have a confession. Hilary doesn’t know you’re coming.

I hurriedly key in a reply.

But you said last night that she couldn’t wait to see me.

Her reply floors me.

I lied. I wanted to get Garrett off my back. I’m sorry, please don’t hate me.

We’re ambushing her. Hilary has no idea, and it isn’t fair to her.

I could bash my head against the wall, I’m so upset. Raegan played me, and this could turn into a disaster.

Hilary might end up hating us both by the time this day is over. I lost hours of sleep wondering about what would happen today, and in the back of my mind I knew it could be bad. I never thought it was going to be catastrophic, though.

I hang my head in defeat as I stalk numbly to the front door. I may as well wait outside for Raegan, because if I sit in this house any longer, I may lock myself in my room and never come out.

Chapter 11

Raegan pulls up wearing a bright smile. I’m not in a cheerful mood. I have every intention to tell her I’m not coming, but like a mindless zombie, I climb into her truck. I shift nervously in the seat as I attempt to get comfortable. She notices my uneasy behavior and reaches for my hand.

“It’s going to be okay, Lance. I should have never lied to you, but this could be a good thing for her to see you.”

“It could be good?” I stare out the window, annoyed. “Could? I need this to be good, Raegan. I’ve been waiting for this.”

“I know you have,” she says as she pulls out of my driveway. The crunch of the tires on the road is all I can hear. The sound reminds me of what I want to do to Travis, or what he may do to me if this goes south.

We ride in complete awkward silence. I notice her out of the corner of my eye. She keeps looking as if she’s going to speak but she stops herself every time. When the truck stops at a small diner, I want to jump out and hide. This is a terrible mistake.

“She’s inside and has a table already,” Raegan whispers.

Fuck, this is definitely a mistake.

“I don’t know about this, Raegan. I don’t want to go in.”

“Suck it up and get inside. I’m going to be there, so it shouldn’t be that awkward.”