Page 6 of Things I Wish I Said
“Run.” The words are out of Garret’s mouth before I can even process what’s happening.
Dustin and Jaydon fly into the cover of trees behind the building while I spin on my heel and take off in the opposite direction. Maybe that was my first mistake, but I’m not worried about being caught drunk or high so much as I am being caught alongside Dustin with the load he’s carrying and being booked for possession or as part of a drug deal.
My feet fly over the pavement, the soles of my shoes slapping as I near the end of the block where I round the corner, faced with the bright flashing lights of another cruiser.
Shit.
Spinning on my heel, I head back the way I came, but not before a voice yells at my back, “Stop right there, son, and put your hands up!”
My feet slow, knowing I’m caught, and running is useless.
I come to a stop as I wonder if they can even charge me with anything and, deciding I don’t really give a fuck, I slowly raise my arms in surrender.
My mom’s face is not the one I want to see when the door of the holding cell opens and I step out. But I guess you don’t get a choice when you’re an underage minor caught drinking and smoking weed, and your parents have connections with the whole fucking town. I’m almost certain Officer Brown was friendly with my father, even more certain when I see my mother’s warm smile directed at him, her blue eyes softening in gratitude as she says, “Thanks, Dan. I owe you one.”
“No problem, Vick. You know I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t help out Antonio’s boy in any way I can.”
I snort, to which Mom responds by casting me a scathing look.
I lower my eyes, walking in line behind her like a dog following orders.
Once we’re outside, the balmy Virginia air presses over me along with my mother’s condemnation as she lays into me. “What exactly were you thinking?”
I say nothing, skirting her and taking the lead as I focus on her Mercedes.
“It’s nearly three a.m., Grayson. What are you even doing out this late? And who the heck were you with? Officer Brown said—”
I spin on my heel, startling her into silence. “Why are you even asking if Officer Brown already gave you the recap?” I snap.
“Because I deserve some answers, Grayson.” Her lips thin. “You can’t keep doing this.”
“Doing what, exactly?”
“You know what.”
“I was drinking. Smoked a little weed.” I shrug. “So what?”
“So what?” Mom’s brows rise. She’s pissed, but so am I. Have been for the last thirteen months. “One of these times, it’s going to catch up with you, and you’re going to get into real trouble.”
I smirk. “Good thing you can just make another donation to the Fraternal Order of Police to help grease the wheels, am I right?”
“No, you’re not right,” she barks out. “There won’t always be an old family friend to bail you out.”
I exhale and drag my hands over my face. “Listen, Ma, I’m tired. It’s been a long night, and I’m sorry I woke you with my . . . problems,” I say, unsure if that’s putting it mildly. “But can we just talk about this tomorrow?”
She says nothing. Makes no move toward the car. Instead, she just stares at me like she hardly recognizes me anymore.
I know the feeling.
“You promise?” she asks, her tone uncertain. “You’ll sit down and have breakfast with me, and we can talk.Really talk?”
“Sure. Whatever you want. I promise.”
“What about your game in the morning?” she asks, testing me.
“Do I look like I’m in any condition to wake up in a few hours for an early game?” I ask, motioning toward myself.
Hell, I’ll probably still be drunk.
