“A chocolate shake sounds perfect,” I continue. “Thank you.”
“Alright. Are you ready to order? Or do you need more time?”
“I think we need another minute,” my mom says.
“No problem. When you’re ready, just—”
“Holler?” I finish.
“Exactly.” She laughs. “I’ll put in your drinks and return in a few to see if you’re ready. If you haven’t yelled for me yet, that is.”
As we look over the menu, the bell above the door dings, and before I see anyone, I hear voices.
A group of girls sit in a booth a couple down from us. Two of those girls I know… not personally, but I’ve seen them before. They were the girls with Jaxon and Fletcher at the party and—
Shit. That’s why they looked familiar the night of the party. It wasn’t because I saw her running with Jaxon, but because the last time I was here, I saw her here. I don’t think the dark-haired girl was with her then, but the other girl was.
Maia slides into the booth with the girls. Now I know for sure they’re the same people.
“Aves?”
“Hmm?” I look at my mom and Jay, realizing they must’ve been talking to me.
“I asked you how school was.” Jay grins. “Are your grades good?”
“It’s Avalon,” my mom says before I have the chance to. “Of course they’re good. They’re probably excellent.”
“She’s in some pretty hard classes,” he responds.
“I have all As,” I say. “For now, anyway. That could change next month with midterms.”
“But it’s good?”
“Yeah, it’s good.”
“Any special guy in your life?” My mom asks, and I choke on my own saliva.
“Not really.” I don’t give them much more than that. I don’t need to talk about a guy I’m casually sleeping with, with my mom and Jay.
“What about that guy from the other night?” Jay sits back against the booth. “You still seeing him?”
“For starters, I wasn’tseeinghim. We—”
“Were hooking up?” Jay finishes, and my eyes go wide.
“I’m not talking about this with you guys. I’m not in a relationship; that’s all you need to know.”
“Alright, alright,” Jay laughs, waving his hands in front of him. “Just promise me you’re using protection, okay? You can never be—”
“Jay!” I gasp. “We’re not talking about this. How’s everything going inyourlife, Jay. Do you have any special lady friends?”
This gets my mom’s attention, and she turns toward him.
“Not at the moment, no.”
“Well, you promise me you’re using protection, right,” I mock. “Because it’s really important—”
“I get it. It’s not a fun topic of conversation.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m not seeing anyone. I don’t really have the time. Between work and—” his eyes land on my mom for just a moment, “life. I’m just occupied right now.”