Jeff’s chest nearly puffed out, knowing his sister was so happy. “You bet I am, Ells. You only graduate from high school once. It’s one of my presents to you.” He walked over and hugged Ellie.
I smiled as I watched the exchange. When Ellie looked at me, her smile brightened even more, and a part of me hoped that smile was meant only for me.
“Am I at least invited to my best friend’s graduation party, dickwad?” Ari asked with sarcasm oozing out of her.
Jeff walked over to Ari and rubbed the top of her head, like you would do to a young kid asking for you to sign their football. “If she wants you there, Squirt, that’s fine by me.”
Ari pushed his hand away and mumbled, “Fucker.”
Jeff and I both started to laugh. That girl was spit and fire, no doubt about it.
They had finally come back in with Ellie’s prescription, and we were walking back out to Jeff’s truck.
“Hey, can you swing back by the school so I can pick up my jeep?” Ari yelled out over the music. “Ellie and I both have our last shift tonight.”
“Oh hell no is Ellie going to work tonight. She has to rest her hand, and she is on pain meds. Are you insane, Ari? Thinking Ellie’s going to work tonight.” Jefferson shouted back to her.
I had to agree with Jeff. She didn’t need to be working.
“Yeah, that’s not a good idea—going into work tonight, Ellie. You need to keep your hand and wrist elevated to keep the swelling down,” I said, adding my own two cents on the matter.
Ari started laughing.
“What are you both, her freaking mother? No, I think not. Ells can do whatever she damn well pleases, and you two asswipes have no say in it whatsoever. If she wants to go to work or not go to work, that’s her decision to make. I can’t believe you two!” Ari’s tone was harsh, and I knew it was aimed more toward Jeff rather than me.
I gave Ellie a small grin and turned back to the front, my place in all this clearly pointed out by Ari.
“You know what, Squirt, you’re right. I’m not her mother, but I am her brother. Ells, I don’t think it’s a good idea, honey. Plus, you’re taking the pain pills, and you really cannot use your hand.”
“You don’t think she can make that decision?” Ari spat out.
“Ari, just please stay out of this. I’m her brother.”
“Well, I’m her best friend!”
“So?”
“So best friends have a bigger . . . status on this type of thing!”
I turned and watched the two of them bicker. When I looked at Ellie, I knew she had come to the same conclusion I had.
These two had the hots for each other.
“Will you two please shut up!” Ellie shouted, causing Jeff and Ari to instantly stop talking.
“Ari, I hate to admit this, but I really am tired, and my hand is killing me. Maybe I should rest a bit. Today has been such a long day, and I’m ready for it to be over.”
Giving in quicker than I thought she would, Ari replied, “You’re right, sweets, I’m sorry. I’ll let them know what happened and why you can’t come in tonight. It’s our last night anyway.”
Ari leaned in and gave Ellie a hug.
“Thanks, Ari, you’re the best,” Ellie said.
Jeff tensed up. He looked over to me and then back to Ellie.
“Ells, maybe you should plan on staying the night at my place. If Mom is home, she’s going to ask you a million questions, and I’m not sure if you want to talk to her about Ryan. You keep a bag in Ari’s jeep with extra clothes in it, right?”
The sadness that swept across her face made my stomach twist. I knew Jeff and Ellie’s mom had some problems and drank heavily, but this was crazy if she couldn’t go home with an injury simply to avoid their mom. Then again, if it meant I could see more of her, I was down for it.