I pause, pinching the bridge of my nose between my fingers. "I do, mom. I do. But I don't think I stand a chance now. She moved to Boston, and she’s gorgeous and smart. There is no way that some stupid red socker hadn't snatched her up.”
“But if she loves you too, she’d wait.” She's clutching her hands to her chest, eyes full of hope.
"That's the thing, mom. I don't know if she ever did. I never told her how I feel. I was too much of a coward to let her know anything about me. I lost the only one who's ever made me feel like I could have what you guys have." I motion between her and dad, who's still hugging her while making little, calming circles on her shoulder with his finger. It makes the hole in my chest grow even larger. I'll never experience that because the only person I want that with, doesn't want anything to do with me. And for a good reason. I’m the one who started this snowball of problems.
"That's messed up, Jake. Really horrible. Letting another girl into Justin's house with a spare key just to drive Kayla off… You're a sicko." Alicia voices from the bed. Closing the laptop and putting it aside, she gets up and walks toward me. "I think Kayla loves you, and if I'm right, it wouldn't be that easy for her to move on. Look at yourself; you're a manwhore, yet you never did."
"Alicia!" Mom exclaims. "Who did I raise?" She mutters, throwing her hands up.
"What if you're wrong?" My voice sounds unsure, even to my own ears.
“I write love stories for a living. Trust my gut.” She shrugs.
"Do you know where she is?" I ask, but I already know the answer.
“No.” Her enthusiasm deflates.
"I do," Mom says quietly from the door.
"What?" Our heads snap to her in unison.
“Whatwhat? I'm friends with Marina." I feel my mouth drop open at her words.
“Since when?” I ask, stunned.
"Since always. And close your mouth. You'll catch a fly." She walks toward me and puts her hand on my chest. "We always knew you two were meant for each other but were too stupid to see it."
I blink in astonishment. “We were?”
"Yeah, you were. Marina bet it would happen earlier, though." She pouts. "You made me lose a hundred bucks."
"Mom!" I exclaim as Alicia snickers. "You bet on us?"
"It's a small town, and we were bored." She shoots me a sheepish smile and shrugs.
"So, where is she?" I can feel my heart pump in my chest with anticipation.
“She’s in Boston. She goes to school and works at this guy’s place. What was his name?” She taps her chin with her finger.
"Archie?" I spit.
“Yes!” She points her finger up. “Archie! I thought it was a weird name.”
“Do you know how I can find this place?”
"No, honey." She looks crestfallen. After a second, her face brightens, "But I know where she lives!"
“Where?” This charade is getting on my nerves, but this is my mom, so I keep my trap shut.
“With Archie!” She smiles brightly while I explode with rage.
"What?" I roar.
“Chill out, Justin, or you’ll get your nose broken. Again.” My dad utters. It's the first time he's spoken throughout the argument. He never lets us talk back or raise our voices to our mom.
"Yes, sir. Sorry, mom." I take a deep, shaky breath. "Are you sure that's where she lives?"
“Marina mentioned it. She said apartments in Boston are very expensive, and he has a lot of space.” Mom suggests helpfully with a sweet, all-knowing smile.
