I need to tell someone, though, and Avery’s in class.
I hit my sister’s name on my phone, and she answers after the first ring.
“No shit, I was just about to call you.”
I smile. “Miss your baby brother?”
“Hardly,” she laughs and I grin. “Listen, I need a huge favor.”
“Yeah?”
“Come get Angie for me. I have a meeting, and she’s out of school today for some teacher day or some shit. I didn’t know, and Mom is at work and I planned this and I need—”
“No problem,” I say, cutting her off. “What time?”
“I love you, I do. And believe me, you’re my favorite.”
I grin. “Duh, I’m the best.”
“Whoa, calm down. Can you get here by one?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“Cool… But what did you need? You called me.”
I pause, biting my lip. “Can I ask you something, and you promise you won’t rip me a new one?”
She scoffs. “No, I cannot.”
“Asshole.”
“Brat. What is it?”
“Dad called me.”
“Ah fuck, Jace. What did he want?”
I close my eyes, biting the inside of my lip. “He’s coming to the game.”
When she groans, I squeeze my eyes closed tighter. Lucy isn’t one to hide her feelings. That chick wears them like armor, and everyone knows what she is feeling at all times. But there is something about hearing it in her voice that really hits me in the gut. “Jace, that’s gonna be bad. Especially when Jude is coming in for the game. Really?”
“I couldn’t say no.”
“Why? It’s easy, you open your—”
“Yeah, smartass, but he’s been giving me money,” I admit. And wow, aren’t I a Chatty Cathy today.
“You little shit,” she groans. “Are you serious? Don’t you know he is doing this to trap you? He doesn’t do it ’cause he loves you. He doesn’t know how to love, Jace.”
Did I mention that everyone hates my dad? I think I did. “I know, but I needed it.”
“Man, I am speechless. Jude and Jayden are gonna skin you, and I’m just gonna stand there, holding the knives.”
“Lucy! Five minutes ago, I was your favorite. Plus, I’m watching your kid.”
She pauses. “And you’re the best for that. But really, dude? Come on.”
“I hear you. Tell me what to do. Should I tell Mom? Jude and Jayden?”