Page 74 of To Go
“I’m sorry, honey, I’m busy.” I actually am a little sorry. I can’t imagine not having any family to see on Christmas.
“You going out to see your dad?”
“Yeah,” I reply, since it’s not a complete lie. I’m going to visit first thing in the morning then head over for lunch with James in the late afternoon.
“Is he sick or something? You visit him a lot. Or maybe you guys actually get along,” she snorts. “I don’t get along at all with my parents. You know what my mom said to me last time I saw her?” My heart cracks as Nessa barrels on without pause. “She told me that I’m an abomination, an embarrassment, and that I shouldn’t come around anymore. That all it does is cause her pain.”
I didn’t even know Nessa had been out to see her parents. Last I’d heard, it had been years since they’d spoken. I can’t imagine severing a bond with a parent, much less my child. I don’t know how she’s getting through it, even if hers are colossal jerks.
“You’re making me a little nervous. Are you going to be okay?” I ask. I won’t, in good conscience, leave her like this, but I’m exhausted. All I want to do is sleep.
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m always fine,” she singsongs. Nessa is someone I associate with laughter, dancing, tequila, and enjoying life. Never sadness. Not this deep, soul-drenching pain that I didn’t know was in her. It takes a certain light to expose that kind of pain. I’ve seen it before, in my dad, and I can’t ignore it when I see it now.
“We could have a sleepover?” I say, about as sure of my offer as I am about joining an MLM that’s really just food-coloured laxatives.
“Hell yes! That’s a perfect idea. You’re the best, Stella, for real.”
“Okay, but you’re taking an uber! Do not drive a car, Vanessa,” I’m aiming for a threatening tone. She only laughs it off.
“What are you, my new mommy?” she whines. “Ugh, Beth is here, she’ll drive me, right, Beth?”
“Yes, Nessa,” calls another voice—Beth’s.
At least she’s not alone.
“Alright, then get your little butt over here young lady!” Since we’ve shared our locations with each other, I can confirm that she’s at least on her way. I breathe pure relief when an unfamiliar car pulls up and both her and Beth climb out. I buzz them in, taking in Nessa’s shivering frame as she forgot to wear a warmer coat. She’s dressed only in some ratty pink sweatpants, a massive hoodie, and an oversized scarf. Her usually meticulous, flaming red curls are in disarray. She hasn’t taken her makeup off yet and it’s smeared from one side of her face to the other.
She greets me with a lopsided smile, taking the offered hot tea, and crashes on my bed, which has been cleared of all of my clothes. She’s asleep before I even reach her.
Beth follows her into the apartment, her lips pinched together as she watches Nessa closely. She’s gripping her own scarf like a lifeline.
“Do you think she’s okay?” the leggy blonde asks quietly, wringing her hands. We share an uncertain, concerned moment.
“I don’t know.”
“Me neither. I’m worried.” She looks at me, searching for reassurance. I don’t have any.
“Me too.”
“Thank you for looking after her. I’m already supposed to be on the road to my family. She invited me out foradrink, which turned into five drinks, which turned into… well, this. I didn’t want to leave her alone in this state.”
“I’ve got it from here,” I say, patting her arm. She gives me a grateful smile as she tiptoes out the door, leaving me and Nessa alone. I drape her in a blanket, turn down the TV volume, and snuggle up next to her under the covers. When she gets restless,I rub the top of her arm, lightly dragging my nails the way my mom used to when I was sick or upset.
Nessa may have her flaws, but she’s a sweet, vibrant woman. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that all she wants is to be loved.
Anyone who would hurt her would be a horrible person.
A horrible person indeed.
Chapter 26
James
This was such a bad idea.
I’m already regretting inviting Stella here when I help her out of the SUV. Her little black dress with its peter pan collar, her smooth black tights, and her heels, which bring her to stand just under my chin, are all here to taunt me. This is my punishment for lusting after her.
I somehow manage to not drool as I escort her to the front door, letting her hand rest on my bicep while I try not to enjoy it too much.
