Page 107 of All This Time
My mom presses up on her toes and kisses my dad, which is a sight that should make me gag. But honestly, watching my parents just helps me keep faith that two people can find each other in this crazy thing called life. I want what they have more than anything, and my heart wants it with Fletcher.
And this weekend will be the perfect time to finally go after it.
“Fine. Tell me when to be ready and I’ll have my stuff packed.” My dad smacks her on the ass as she walks away. “Hey!”
“Ugh, Dad. That’s gross.”
He turns to me and shrugs. “You can leave the room if it bothers you, but I won’t apologize for appreciating your mother’s body.”
Mom giggles and turns red at the stove. “Dinner still has about fifteen minutes, Laney, if you have some homework to finish up.”
“I do, actually. Just call me when it’s ready.”
“Sure thing, sweetie.”
I race back to my room and grab my cell phone, lying down on my bed with my phone poised above me, opening up the text message thread with my brother.
Me:Breaking news: Mom and Dad are going away for the weekend.
He texts me back immediately.
Rhonan:WTF? Has hell frozen over?
Me:I know. But you know what would be fun while they’re gone? A party.
Rhonan:You wanna have a party? Yup. Hell has definitely frozen over.
Me:Come on. I’m eighteen now and I’m about to be in college. I need the practice.
Rhonan:18 is not 21, Laney.
Me:Newsflash: You aren’t 21 either.
Rhonan:But I’m closer than you.
Me:Come on, it’ll be fun! I can invite people from school, you can invite your friends you never see anymore…
Rhonan:Fine, but only because Fletcher just saw my phone and agrees it would be fun.
Knowing that Fletcher approves of the idea makes me even more giddy.
Me:Yay! Let me know what I need to do.
Rhonan:We’ll talk later. I have to finish studying for my midterm tomorrow.
Me:Okay. Love you!
Rhonan:Love you too, sis.
“Oh my God!” I whisper-shout to myself, tossing my phone to the side and staring up at the ceiling as I process everything that’s transpired in the last ten minutes.
But then my phone chimes with another text.
Fletcher:You want to have a party? Who are you and what have you done with Laney?
My heart starts racing as I contemplate my reply. But suddenly, this wave of confidence rushes through me.
Me:Actually, there is something I want to talk to you about. Perhaps we could sneak away to discuss some stuff at the party.
