How (Not) to Fall in Love(47)

“I know how busy you’ll be,” Sal said. “That’s why I’m calling. Mark and I want to help with the move. You’ve seen those muscles of his. He can lift anything.” She giggled. “And I can help pack. Provide moral support. You just let us know when and where, okay?”

My eyes misted. “Thanks, soul sister. You dress like a train wreck, but you have some redeeming qualities.”

“And you need a makeover and a boy toy, but we’ll deal with that later.”

“G’night, DQ.”

“G’night, Darce.”

Sometimes your garden surprises you. Dad’s voice was strong and clear in my mind as I snuggled under the covers. You don’t remember planting strawberries or mint, but there it is, rising up in the middle of the carrot patch. Maybe the seeds blew in from the neighbor’s garden. Or maybe they were buried in the dirt and you unearthed them when you tilled the soil. Or maybe you’re reaping what you’ve sown. However it happened, you now have unexpected bounty. Accept it with gratitude.





Chapter Seventeen


November 6


Chloe pushed against me in the hall. Hard. My books tumbled to the floor.

“I don’t have time for this, Chloe,” I said as I knelt to gather my books. “Don’t you have somewhere to be? Isn’t Satan lonely without you?”

“You’re the one who can go to hell, Darcy,” she said. “I don’t know what Ryan ever saw in you.”

Nothing, other than a potential stadium suite ticket. But I didn’t care. That crush was part of my past. Even if Ryan didn’t see anything special in me, I was starting to see myself differently. I saw myself standing in the boardroom as J.J. must have, eyes flashing with determination. I saw myself laughing and joking with customers in the coffee shop. I saw myself making dinner for Mom and me, even on late nights when she was already drunk when I got home from work.

It didn’t matter what anyone else saw in me. For the first time, I felt like I was seeing myself.

My teachers were sympathetic, all of them telling me some version of the guidance counselor’s story. I could make up my homework later. Or skip some of it entirely. My academic track record made them willing to accommodate me, but I didn’t want special treatment.

Chloe backed off, making me wonder if I should’ve stood up to her a long time ago. I fought a smile and plowed through the rest of my classes.

Sal caught up with me after school. “What’s on the agenda today?”

“Meeting with the estate sale lady,” I answered.

“Sounds scary. Do you want company?”

“Thanks, but I’ll manage.”

Sal grinned. “She’s large and in charge, that’s my Darcy.”

“I am not large.”

“It’s a metaphor.”

I laughed. “I know. But as much sugar as I’m eating lately, sometimes I worry.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please. You look great.” She narrowed her eyes. “Actually you do. You’re almost glowing.” Shock filled her face. “God, you aren’t pregnant, are you? You haven’t hooked up with Lucas and not told me?”

I gaped at her. “Absolutely not. My God, Sal, how many times do I have to tell you—”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re just friends.” She frowned at me. “So why are you glowing like a fire goddess?”

I laughed. “Maybe I am on fire. It feels that way. There’s so much to do, and I need to do most of it. But I have all this energy just bursting inside of me.” I bit my lip. “It’s a good thing I do have all this energy. Mom is just…overwhelmed.”

“She’s still drinking too much?”

Leave it to Sal to cut through the bullshit. “Yeah. Not always. But most of the time.”

Sal looked worried. “Maybe she needs professional help.”

“Maybe.” I hoped I wasn’t making excuses for her, but I wanted to see what happened when we were more secure. “I think she’s just doing it to cope. It’s not the best choice. But I’m hoping once we’re moved. Once Dad comes back…”

Sal blinked in surprise. “Have you heard from him?”

I shrugged. “Another postcard. Cryptic as usual. This one was from Georgia.”

“Georgia?”

“Who knows?” I’d plotted this one on the map, too. The stones were called the Georgia Guidestones. One of the stones was engraved with ten New Age-y guidelines. Dad had circled the last one: “Be not a cancer on the earth—Leave room for nature.” And he’d only signed his name, nothing else.

I thought about telling Sal about my map, but after my mom and J.J.’s reaction, I wasn’t sure I wanted anyone else’s opinion on my theory about Dad’s clonehenge quest. Except, maybe I could tell Lucas. I had a feeling he’d listen.

“Well, call me later,” said Sal. “I’ve got to get to rehearsal.”

“Break a leg.”

She frowned. “You don’t say that before rehearsal. You’re supposed to tell me to bomb.”

“Theater people are so weird.”

She tossed her hair out of her eyes. “Whatever. Are you working Friday night?”