“I’m always in a good mood. What are you talking about?”
I snort and snap my buckle in place. “Well, are you ready to get this over with?”
“I’d rather cut my right testicle off.” He groans, pulling out of the parking lot.
“Well, I know a few friends of mine would be disappointed, so maybe leave them attached for now.”
He finally breaks a smile and laughs. “Deal.”
Chapter 9
Travis
I’m actually starting to enjoy waking up to no alarm. As hard as it is, I try not to text Viola while she’s with Drew. The less distracted she is, the better, because her body gives her away, and we can’t be having that. And the fact that Drew is around, and Viola doesn’t ever lock her phone makes it a little dangerous.
My cell vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out and see my mother’s picture flash across the screen. Quickly, I answer.
“I was thinking about driving over today to visit you. Want to go out for lunch?”
“Yeah, Mom, sure. I’d love to see you.” I look around at the mini-disaster the house is in and can’t help but glance at the spot where Viola and I christened the floor. It was a first for me, too.
An hour later, I decide to get dressed. I’m sure the whole Justin Bieber wifebeater and baggy jogging pants look with messy ass hair wouldn’t be acceptable. I at least have to try to look presentable for my mother. When I hear a car door shut, I check the peephole. Before she can knock, I open the door and pull her into a hug.
“Oh, son! Your face.”
I smile. “You should see the other guy.”
“I was worried about you. I stopped by the hospital.”
“I know, I know. I’m fine.”
I lock up the house, and then we drive to a deli across town that she loves. Apparently, they serve the best chicken salad in all of California, or so she says. Once we order, I fill her in on everything that’s been going on since the accident.
“So your car?” She takes a sip of water.
“Totaled.” I haven’t thought about it too much. Next week, I’ll have to start taking care of business. That car was the first expensive thing I bought myself after I started working at Crawford Marketing.
“I know how long you saved for it,” she says, looking a little sad.
“Full coverage is amazing. I’ll get another one. But with heated seats and darker tint.” I laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“How’s the job?” She’s asking the usual questions to fill time.
After our food arrives, she takes a bite of her sandwich. I pick at my salad, but I’m not hungry, as usual.
“I’m waiting to be cleared to go back to work. I have a follow-up appointment next week.”
“They still giving you a hard time?”
I give her a look that tells her everything she wants to know.
She shakes her head. “Remember when you talked about starting your own business? That was your dream for so long, Travis.”
My mind temporarily wanders. “Yeah, I do.”
“Have you given it any more thought?”
“Sometimes. But only when I’m having a super shitty day at work.”
