“I’m what, Marcus? Exceptionally smart, fun, full of life, spirited, open-minded, and not a total tool?”
“I mean, yes. But, look, I talked to the pastor about my concerns and he?—”
“You talked to Ronnie? As in my stepfather?” The air deflates from my balloon of fun.
“Pastor Ronnie, yes. I was concerned about your behavior, and I don’t think it’s very?—”
“What did he say to you?”
“Alexis, please listen. We’re just worried about your well-being, is all.” He sighs into the phone so loud it sounds like a hurricane in my ear. I can feel the warmth moving up my neck and to my cheeks as he talks. “Pastor Ronnie and I agree that I’m probably not the right man to tame you. I tried to show you more appropriate ways to handle yourself, things that won’t leave a stain on your eternal soul, but I don’t think you’re catching on. The drinking, the tattoos, your swearing?—”
“Tameme? I’m not a fucking animal, Marcus.” I don’t miss the irony in me growling that into the phone, but I also am having a hard time keeping my voice down.
“Alexis, you’re right, and this is why I guess we should move on. God has even told Pastor Ronnie that he has someone else who will bring you to the light, not me.”
“Hey, Marc. I only went on those dates because my mother asked me to in the harshest terms possible. Everyone at that congregation pities you because you’re a sniveling, whiny, mama’s boy with no sense of humor, no tact, and no taste. You’re blander than white bread and you know I was the last available choice for your sorry ass. You want a subservient little housewife to keep locked up at home and do whatever depraved bullshit your disgusting mind comes up with. You’re right. I’ll never be that. But at least we don’t have to waste any more time,right?”
“Wait, are—are you breaking up withme?”
“I’m gonna get my coffee now, Marcus. Good luck with your search for your obedient, brainless house slave.”
He tries to say something about my stepfather as I hang up, but I don’t care. I’m a little upset I didn’t throw in a good oldHail Satanat the end for kicks. A temporary sense of relief floods through me, even though I’m sure this will come back at me sooner than later. It doesn’t matter right now, and I’m going to live in the moment of joy. No more excuses or canceling on him to do better things like playing video games, dancing, and reading as many smutty books as possible. All the things a well behaved god-fearing girl shouldn’t do, apparently.
Kennedy slides up next to me as I rejoin the line, blocking Marc’s number as I do. She’s twirling her hair and trying to look cute and innocent, but I know better. “Hey, uhm, so I forgot my wallet, but he said you could totally pay for me, and it wouldn’t be a big deal, okay?”
I stare at the giant purse, pointedly. “Fine.”
Turning on her heel, she heads to the door, waiting impatiently like I was holding up her life, not buying her fucking coffee. I text Dani the good news before it’s my turn to order.
Lexi
Marc is out of the picture. Finally.
??D??
OMG! Seriously? DETAILS!!
Lexi
As soon as I get back. At the Boba place.
You sure you don’t want anything?
??D??
Hurry! I need all the tea!
Not the literal tea…
I take a deep breath of relief as the line moves and smile at Zack, who waits for my order. Fuck calories, carbs, Marc, and Kennedy. I’m going to have an amazing day, and it will involve a sugary milk tea and a giant chocolate croissant.
CHAPTER3
I’VE JUST SEEN A FACE
JIM STURGESS
The reception areais empty when I get to Sam’s office, so I take a seat and wait. Traffic was a nightmare, but what did I expect coming through Hollywood from Pasadena during awards season? I’m doing everything I can to not think about the rejection letter, which means all I’m thinking about is the rejection letter.
