How (Not) to Fall in Love(67)

“You know what? You’re really taking this rescuing-the-damsel-in-distress role way too seriously. Stop reading my books.”

He shot me a hooded glance. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“Isn’t it?”

“Be careful. You’re veering away from buddy-flick territory back toward mortal-enemies-locked-in-combat territory.”

“Maybe I’ll just be quiet.”

“Excellent choice.” He picked up his iPod and the sounds of one of my favorite indie bands filled the car.

“Maybe you’re the one who’s psychic,” I said, my eyes closing again as I rested against the window.

“How so?”

“This is my de-stress music. It chills me out.” I sighed, pulling my jacket tight around me. I wanted to stay in his car forever, eyes closed, music playing, just driving.

“It’s going to be okay, Darcy,” he said softly.

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re strong. You’ll get through this.”

I opened my eyes to watch his profile as he drove. “Tough girls always finish last.”

He glanced at me with that smile that turned me to jelly. “You’re watching the wrong movies.” He paused. “Maybe you should read more of your lame romances. Don’t they always have happy endings?”

“They do. But life doesn’t always tie up in a pretty bow at the end like it does in those books.”

He nodded. “Life’s messy,” he agreed. “But sometimes amazing things can happen, even when it seems like it’s all falling apart.”

He couldn’t possibly be talking about us. He was just trying to distract me from the nightmare that was my life. “Ah, Master Martinez,” I said. “You speak such words of wisdom. Grasshopper can only hope to learn from you.”

He shot me a dark look. “You should stop talking now.”

I wished he’d just kiss me to shut me up, like in the movies, but instead we kept driving in silence, while I prayed my mom wouldn’t be a total wreck by the time we got home.





Chapter Twenty-Four


Mom was lying on the couch when we walked in, surrounded by the clutter of our messy family room. I’d been meaning to clean it, but there just wasn’t time with school and work and starting to pack for the move. Besides, we never had company anymore so what was the point?

Lucas was gracious, as always. “Hello, Mrs. Covington. It’s good to see you again.”

She stared up at him, her eyes unfocused. Pam was right. She did look like something the cat had dragged in. It was amazing she hadn’t been fired sooner. I blinked back tears. I could not fall apart. Not in front of Lucas.

“Well, look who’s here.” Her words slurred as she tried to focus on me. “I knew there was something going on with you two.”

“Mom. Please.” I shot her a pleading look.

“Well, it’s true. Darcy never brings guys home, but I’m not surprised to see you.” She pointed a wobbly finger at Lucas.

I thought I would faint or hurl, or both. I hated how alcohol did this to her. I didn’t dare look at Lucas, who’d busied himself gathering up the dirty plates and glasses scattered over our coffee table. Toby danced around him, thrilled to see the dog whisperer. Lucas caught my eye as he walked toward the kitchen.

“I’m sorry,” I mouthed, using every power in me to keep my tears at bay.

He shook his head. “Nothing to be sorry for,” he whispered.

Once he’d left the room, I tried to get Mom to sit up. “You’ve got to get to bed. You’re completely wasted.”

“Damn straight,” she said, her stinking breath blowing in my face. “I have every right to be. That damn Pam had no right to fire me. She knows how much I needed that job.”

“She’s running a business, Mom. Not a charity.” I couldn’t believe I was defending Fake-Bake Pam. I stood up, pulling Mom to her feet. She swayed and leaned into me. Suddenly Lucas was there, propping her up from the other side.

Our eyes met as we supported her. I wasn’t sure what I thought I’d see. Disgust maybe. But that wasn’t it. His eyes burned with all sorts of emotions, too many for me to untangle. I looked away.

“Upstairs, Mom. You need to sleep it off.”

She laughed bitterly, leaning most of her weight on Lucas. “Why? ’Cause everything will be perfec’ in the morning? Darcy thinks she’s gonna find her dad and drag him home. Thinks he’s gonna come riding in on a white horse with a bag full of money. Gonna stand on his stage and turn this pile of shit into a pile of gold.”

“Mom. Don’t.” I couldn’t stop the tears now. I shook with anger and fear.

“Darcy, go sit down,” Lucas said, adjusting Mom so that he bore all her weight. “I’ll get her upstairs.”

“Mine’s the biggest bedroom. Can’t miss it, kid.” Mom cackled like a crazy woman. “Ty always had to have the biggest everything. And look where it got him.”

I remembered Lucas telling me about Heather puking at the Homecoming dance. I prayed my mom wouldn’t complete my humiliation by doing that.

Lucas pinned me with his eyes again. “I’ve got her, Darcy. It’s okay.”