Free Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles

his parents blew you off, I worry. Family dynamics are difficult enough. Add politics and now a reality show?”
    “He’s not doing the show. He did one interview to help promote it as a potential candidate.”
    “Lucy, listen,” her voice gets that edge and I clamp down on my tongue… Eight, nine, ten. Deep breath. I will not lose it unless what she says is completely off the wall. And even then, somehow I’ll maintain control.
    “Yes?” I finally respond.
    “I’m entitled to share my feelings.”
    “Okay.”
    “Right now, I’m feeling like this is too much for you. It’s not fair to you.”
    I catch another truck that Eric’s flung at me from the bed. “Mom, I’m not breaking up with him for this. It’s a stressful time. It’ll pass.”
    “He never sees you. This isn’t want you want.”
    “No, it’s not what you want for me. Right now, it is what it is. We’ll get through it and things will get better.”
    She sucks her cheeks in. “Okay, well at least you know my opinion.”
    “Why share it though? Just so you can say I told you so ?” The moment the line leaves my mouth, I know I’ve gone too far.
    “I shared it because I care about you,” she says. “If you valued my parenting skills, you’d consider it.”
    Ooo, sting. Responding to that one has minefield written all over it. So I hold my tongue.
    “Consider it,” she reemphasizes as she pulls my door closed.
    “Zoom!” A black car crashes into my shoulder. Then a red one. I recover the red one, chasing Eric around on the bed, ramming into his socked feet, distracting myself from my anger.
    She had no right to say that to me. I was fine with the interview before. Now? I don’t know. I want to write her words off, but she pinpointed exactly what I’ve been trying to ignore— Justin did have a choice and he didn’t say no.

Chapter Eight

     
    Justin
     
    That flash of auburn catches my eye the moment I step through the gym doors. Lucy’s breaking down the court, driving through two defensive players. Then swish! A flawless reverse lay up. Three minutes in and she’s already killing it. And that shot? She has no idea how hot she is when she pulls it off. The first time she used it on me, holy crap. I had to harness Batman strength to not grab her and immediately start making out. Of course, she probably would have slapped me.
    I force myself to climb up at least three rows before taking a seat. There’s no way I’m going to be that boyfriend on the sidelines, acting like a coach. A quick glance through the stands and my heart drops. Her parents and brother aren’t here tonight. Bummer. I was looking forward to seeing them. A chance to check off bonding time from my list. Not that it’s actually on the list, but I know it’s crucial to get to know them for a solid foundation to our relationship.
    Lucy’s eyes never drift from who she defends. Honestly, I bet I could walk around naked with a megaphone shouting I love her and she wouldn’t notice anything but the game. That look of pure intensity… in her own world… doing her thing. I wish I had that power on and off the court to help me escape. It’s almost shameful how easily the stands affect my skills. Now when Dad comes to my games, the media shows up. This leads to after-game questions and photo ops. It’s to the point where I just want to bolt post-game, but Dad always waves me over and I know I ha ve to do the right thing.
    Lucy plants herself on the baseline near me, looks over her shoulder, and winks.
    My heart fist pumps. I love that she can so easily do that to me.
    She receives a pass from Chelsey. The ball’s quickly pushed down, close to the court. She drives a few quick steps before passing it back out to Jaclyn, who pops up a three-pointer. Swish.
    My phone buzzes in my back pocket. I take it out for a quick glance. A photo of Ian holding a white electric guitar pops up. He’s been talking my ear off about buying a new guitar all month. I’m surprised