Page 49 of Make It Last

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ava

Comfort food and cats

After I ordered the pizza and told them it didn’t need to be ready until this evening, I leaned my head back against the couch. When my phone vibrated, I glanced over. “Mom, stop calling me,” I muttered at the screen, without answering.

She was frustrated because I was only working half-time this month, so I didn’t have as much money to contribute to household bills. Fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck.

I knew why she didn’t have a job. Her entire job while I was growing up had been taking care of my sister. They’d had benefits because of her, but then she died, so the benefits died with her. Now, my mom had no formal job experience. I’d encouraged her more than once to finish her nursing degree. She had all the coursework and just needed to take her licensing exam. There was a tangle of feelings for me around this.

My dad worked, sure, but he was resentful about life in general. I’d always been the buffer in the middle of it all, the emotional sponge. Which was why I knew, even though I didn’t want to say it out loud, I’d latched onto an easy excuse to delay my return. This broken ankle gave me a much-needed break.

My phone buzzed again, and I snatched it up, thinking maybe it was Tanner. It was Holly. I smiled instantly.

Holly: How’re you doing?

I texted back quickly.

Me: Pretty good. A little bored. Occasionally feeling trapped. But I’m working part-time, so mornings are covered. Currently watching Grey’s Anatomy and Schitt’s Creek because they are my emotional support shows.

Holly: Excellent. I heard Tanner brought you takeout last night.

My cheeks flamed. She couldn’t even see me, and I was blushing.

Me: How would you know that??

Holly: Girl, do you realize how fucking small this town is??

I burst out laughing as my phone rang in my hand. I answered, “What?”

“I think Tanner likes you,” she announced with no preamble.

My cheeks burned even hotter. I still hadn’t recovered from our encounter last night and wasn’t about to mention it to Holly.

“He’s just being nice,” I deflected. “Everybody’s being nice. Like you, texting me. And I guess I’m doing card night. Josie’s hosting, but it’s at my place.”

“Perfect! By the way, are you taking it easy with your ankle?”

“Yes!” I exclaimed. “Oh, Chris is coming for my PT in a half hour, I think.”

“Awesome. Anyway, how do you feel about Tanner?”

“He’s a great guy. How could he not be?”

“I know, but do you like him?” she pressed.

“I don’t know,” I said, throwing a hand in the air like she could see me. “I mean… I like him?—”

“Oh my God, you are being stubborn. We’re getting the scoop at card night.”

“Oh, you’re coming?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you in two nights.”

“Oh, nice! Thanks for checking on me, Holly.”

After I ended the call, there was a knock on the door, and I glanced up from the TV.