Page 52 of Full Throttled

Zoey

Thepast few days have been good overall. Drake and I are getting back into a routine and after our fight I think we’re on the correct path. We seem to be moving forward and growing stronger. I’m thankful for that. Today, Drake and Aubree are having a father daughter day. At first, I could tell he felt guilty about that but I quickly explained that it was good for them to have that quality time. I don’t expect him to drop everything to have me by his side all the time.

I actually made plans myself today. Arbor and I are going out to eat and then to the mall to look around. I could definitely use some new clothes, but I’m not sure the mall is the best place to find reasonably priced stuff, but I’ll give it a shot. Summer, Jovi’s wife, is supposed to be joining us as well. Jovi recently joined Sons of Sin, so Arbor and I invited her along with us.

I’m sitting on the front steps of the club house as I wait for Arbor. My phone rings and I slip it from my purse to see Drake is calling. I slide my finger over the screen and bring it to my ear. “Heydad muffin, everythingokay?”

“No, not at all. Something happened at the job site and they need me there as soon as possible. I’m not even sure what is going on. Anyways, I was at the shop checking in with some of my uncles and what not since I hadn’t stopped by for a few days. Long story short, Summer was there when I got the call and offered to bring Aubree with her while you ladies hang out today. I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to impose on your girl time,” Drake says.

I can hear the unasked question hanging in the air between us. “Drake, she wouldn’t be imposing at all. I’d love to have Aubree today, even though I’m very sorry you didn’t get your father daughter day as planned.”

“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want you to feel like you have to say yes to her tagging along just because we worked things out.” I can hear the nerves that hang on the end of his voice. “I mean, I can always call my mom or one of my aunties.”

“I’m very sure. I would love to have Aubree with us today. Let Summer have her now so you can get to the job site then when you’re done you can come grab her and then the two of you can have some time together.” I smile to myself at the idea of getting to have Aubree with us for part of the day. It sounds like fun. I’ll get to shop with her and I know I’ll probably end up buying her more things than myself, but that’s okay.

Drake sighs in relief. “Thank you, Zoey.”

I laugh. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m happy to do it. I love you now go take care of that job site.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you soon,” Drake replies, as I spot Arbor pulling into the lot in her red sports car.

I get up and head over to her car and slide inside. “Hey, how are you?”

“Oh you know, the same old, same old. Living the dream or some shit like that,” she says with a laugh. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been into this odd music mood lately.”

“How odd?” I ask, with a raise of my eyebrows. “I mean most of the people in my life are into 80s hair bands including the almost four-year-old.”

Arbor laughs. “Good point. Mine is a little newer than that. I’ve been listening to a lot of the late 90s, early 2000s pop.”

“Do you mean, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears?” I ask.

Arbor moves her head around before admitting. “Yep, that’s exactly what I mean.”

I laugh and relax back into the leather of her seats. “I’ll let you in on a little secret but ifitever leaves this car, I’ll deny it.” Arbor looks at me. I guess my serious tone has her concerned. “I secretly love that music.”

“Hells yeah! I knew there was a reason I liked you so much.” Arbor laughs, and fist pumps before turning the music back up. “Are you ready to get our shop on?”

“Of course. Although, Summer is bringing Aubree because Drake had something come up at work.” I didn’t think about how Arbor might feel about Aubree being around. I had just assumed she’d be okay with it but what if she’s not?

“Awesome sauce. I love that nugget!” Arbor replies, with a big smile as she takes out of the parking lot and onto the highway. When we arrive at the mall, we find Summer with Aubree and Halen in one of the pizza places in the food court.

When Aubree spots me, she exclaims and claps her hands. It makes me feel like I’m on top of this world for her to be so excited to see me. I walk over and crouch down to her level. “And how is my favorite girl today?”

“Zoey!” she exclaims, as she wraps her little arms around my neck. “You’re here!”

“I am. You get me all day until your daddy gets done fixing whatever broke at work. I hope you’re okay with that?” I tell her.

She nods her head and I watch as the chocolate brown ringlets bounce along with her head. “I’m good with it.”

“Good,” I tell her with a bright smile. “Do you want some pizza?”

Aubree nods her head again. “Cheese please.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back,” I tell her, as I stand up and go over to the counter to order our lunch. It feels odd to be doing something so normal after so long. My life before returning only consisted of work and school then coming home to deal with Gregg while he was strung out or having a party. I never had friends. I never had lunch dates with friends. I’d hear people in my class talk about stuff like this and it’d eat a pit into my stomach because I wanted this type of normal so badly. Now, I have it and it’s better than I could have ever imagined.

After we finish eating, we put the girls into their strollers so they won’t have to walk through this huge building and get tired and cranky. Summer pushes Halen and I push Aubree while Arbor chatters along beside us. I have to give her credit though for watching her language around the kids. I love Arbor’s carefree spirit though. It’s been about an hour and we’ve already bought more than I think any of us planned on. I just heard from Drake and he should be here shortly. I haven’t told Aubree yet just in case Drake doesn’t make it plus I thought the element of surprise would be fun.

“Oh, my holy hell of fire!” Arbor’s voice carries across to the other side of the mall, to where Summer and I are standing with the girls. She’s talking about how much she wants to buythisoutrageously priced dress for Halen, but she can’t justify the purchase because she won’t be able to actually get her use out of it.

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