Page 11 of Wicked Nasty

I nod in agreement. "What's her problem today?"

"I have no idea, Danny. Maybe we all need some family therapy."

"Not a bad idea."

My dad taps his fork on his plate. "So tell me about this school project."

"We were assigned partners in class. We have to come up with a community project that can sustain even after we graduate. Oh, and our partners are complete opposites of us."

"Interesting. Do you have an idea yet?"

"Yeah. So I'm paired with Becca. We came up with a community garden - real farm-to-table. It helps those less fortunate by providing local fresh food to nearby food banks. And we can promote healthy eating to young kids."

My dad grins. "Wow, that's impressive, Danny. Good job."

Shrugging, I stand up and start clearing the plates off the table. "It's nothing, really. Just an idea."

"You should be proud of yourself. I'm sure Becca is!"

"Not even a little. She likes the idea, but not me."

My dad chuckles. "You're not the easiest person to get along with, but just be respectful and it will all work out."

"We'll see. But she's so cold, dad. It would be easier if she was nice."

"And part of your project is learning how to work with someone you wouldn't choose as a partner, right?"

"Yeah..."

He smiles as he stands up from the table. "Well, there you go, Danny. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it in the end."

I mutter. "I guess... It's all so stupid. Whatever."

Huffing, I retreat to the kitchen and start washing dishes, then make my way up to my room.

I get the concept of this stupid project, but why the fuck am I stuck with Becca, of all people?

My phone dings and I look down at the name that flashes across.

Speak of the devil… Becca.

I open it and skim it over.

There’s some land I bet we could get donated to the project over by the baseball fields and playground.

I type back, not wanting to even think about this right now.

Sounds good.

Do you think we’ll have any issues? We need a backup plan in case we can’t get it donated. Fundraising could help offset some cost as well. I mean, we should be doing that, anyway. Equipment is still needed and everything.

I pick up my phone and click to video call Becca. It rings and rings, then rings some more before going back to a black screen. I text back to Becca, annoyed now.

Pick up, Becca.

Her response is instant.

No.

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