Page 4 of Lucy
“Can you smile somewhere else? We’re talking. Thanks,” I nearly hissed.
“Excuse me?” She cocked an eyebrow up and eyed me.
“You heard me.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. What’s your name?” Abel stepped in with his suave voice and achingly gorgeous grin.
“Anna.”
“Nice to meet you, Anna. I’m Abel. I’m sorry for her attitude. This is Lucy. She’s on edge. Ignore her.”
“Uh huh, I’ll try.” She smacked her lips and walked away while I sank a straw into my glass.
“Don’t apologize for me. You know I hate that.”
“And you know I hate when you’re rude for no reason. I’m here with you right now. Nobody else matters.” He took a gulp of his beer and sighed like I drove him to drink. “Now, how much do you have in savings? I’m sure you have enough to swing a security deposit or first and last month’s rent on a new place, right?” I sucked down the sour, sweet drink and looked everywhere else but in his eyes.
“Lucy, how much do you have in savings?” He repeated himself but that time his teeth were clenched like he knew what answer was coming.
“I don’t have a savings account.” I cringed as the words landed between us.
“What? How the fuck don’t you have a savings account when Mom and Dad got us all one before we moved out.”
“I went on a few girl’s trips and I needed outfits for the trips and bags…shoes too.” Abel was not pleased. His eyes shut and his jaw flexed rapidly.
“You’re telling me you blew your fucking savings on trips and clothes? Lucy, come on!”
“Bags and shoes too,” I added before sipping more lemonade.
“I see exactly why Mom and Dad said you can’t come back home. You’re a mess. You’re a living, breathing tornado.”
“I know, I know,” I sighed. “You can let me stay with you until I get back on my feet, right Abel?” My wings came out and the waitress glared at me but smiled at Abel. I wanted to say something smart but the whiskey wings smelled so fucking good I didn’t care about the waitress after a while.
“Eat. We’ll talk more tonight. I’m pissed at you and I might say something to make you cry.” If there were anyone who could make me cry, it would be Abel. I was a tough girl and I didn’t give a shit about anyone’s opinion of me, but Abel was my world and what he thought meant a lot.
**
