I shove memories of the piggyback away, too. Because not long ago I played the first piggyback he ever gave me on a reel in my brain and sulked at the idea I’d never have another one. And I don’t need to be going there in my mind right now.
Time to get home, shower and change, call Stacy, and pick her up so we can go see Sherry. Then, I’ll get to the library and see what my gal pals have to say in the group chat. Knowing them, I’ll have a whack of ammunition. They’re awesome friends.
The walk from Jase’s house to mine is just a couple blocks, but the entire walk, I’m overly aware of his scent. I’m more aware than I should be. I chalk it up to sleeping in his shirt and in his bed, but my face is hot for the entire walk home and beyond that, every step I take seems to have an effect inside my underpants. I know when I get home and out of these clothes I’ll find them to be damp even though I’m working hard to keep my mind from wandering to anything sexual.
By the time I get to my house, I’m walking barefoot up the driveway, carrying the shoes while eyeing my brother’s car,which is parked out front. He lives just around the corner, so he rarely drives over.
When I step in, I hear Stacy laughing. They’re in the dining room, having breakfast with Mom and Dad.
I hear Grey say, “Jase and Bailey.”
“Hey,” I greet, stepping into the room.
“Look what the cat dragged in,” my brother quips and gives me a grin. “Surprised to see you here.”
I roll my eyes.
My brother’s expression changes, but before I can query it, Mom laughs and says, “Mornin’ sweetheart, you two want some food? There’s lots.”
“It’s just me and yes, please,” I say. “I’ll grab a plate and join you. Don’t get up, Mom. Hiya girlie,” I greet Stacy on my way past, “Your hair looks gorgeous today. Like every other day.”
She’s got a glorious head of dark waves. She’s glowing with happiness, with her pregnancy probably. Though it’s still early on for her, she’s radiant.
“Hiya. You have a good night last night?” Her mouth is twitching. She’s looking at my neck.
“Is Jase not here?” Mom asks, stretching her neck to look at the entryway.
“He’s not,” Grey says and he’s looking at me strangely.
Stacy’s expression has changed and she now looks perplexed.
“What?” I ask, eyes ping-ponging between Grey and Stacy.
My dad has put his fork down but is staring at his plate with a sour expression on his face. He looks like someone has lit a bag of dog poop on fire and put it under his nose.
Now my eyes bounce from Mom to Dad. Dad looks at me and looks down again, flexing his jaw muscles.
“What’s wrong with everyone?”
“Jase isn’t with you?” Stacy checks.
“No. I stayed at his house last night because it was raining and I had the wrong shoes for a walk in the rain, but nothing’s changed. You still planning to see Sherry?”
“I am,” she confirms.
“Wanna go after breakfast?”
“That was my plan. Grey has stuff to do for one of the properties in town so, if you were game–”
Dad and Mom both ask, “Sherry?”
“Stacy wants to stop by and check on her,” Grey tells them, “But surprised you’re going along, Bailey. You and Sherry aren’t exactly pals.”
“It didn’t rain last night,” Mom says.
“Huh?” I ask.
“You said you wore the wrong shoes for a walk in the rain.”