Free Lovely by Jez Strider Page A

thing payday had arrived at a convenient time, though the unexpected purchases would make it a lean month.
    “Yes!” Mac hugged me briefly and then held out both hands as the cashier handed the toy back to him.
    The groceries fit into three bags. I carried the one with milk and the frozen dinners. Then I handed Mac the bag with candy in it. With the bags in one hand, I took Malcolm’s in mine again and we began the walk back to my apartment.
     
    My cell phone rang around four. Mac was well fed and watching cartoons. One of the few channels the digital antenna on my TV would pick up was PBS. The little television gave me a much needed break from entertaining the kid.
    “Hello?” I said without glancing at the number. I’d assumed it was Gavyn calling to check on Malcolm.
    There was a hesitation so I repeated myself and then checked the number. Immediately , I recognized it. I covered the receiver with my palm and told Mac I was stepping into the hallway for a minute.
    “How did you get this number?”
    “Your mother gave it to me,” Brody said.
    “Figures.”
    “Did you leave me because of what happened at the bachelor party or did you run off to be with that guy you’re dating?”
    I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “My relationship was completely unplanned. I’m sorry you found out the way you did. I’ve only been dating him for a month or so.”
    “This morning… I raged a bit. I’m jealous and angry about the direction my life has taken. Everything was perfect before. You were mine. I was your first kiss… your first boyfriend. I popped your cherry.” He cleared his throat. I knew he was trying to keep his shit together.
    “ Geez, Brody,” I stammered. “You can’t predict these things.”
    “Yeah.”
    Silence fell between us and I chewed on my thumb nail anxiously. “Are you headed home?”
    “On the road right now.”
    “How serious do you think my parents are about taking over as my guardians? I still can’t believe this. I’m not crazy.”
    “They’ll do anything to get you back. They really th ink you’ll realize they’re doing the right thing.”
    “What do you think?” I asked.
    “A part of me wants them to make you come home in hopes that you’ll fall in love with me again since we’ll be close. Then we’ll get married as planned. But I want you to be with me of your own choice, not because you were cornered into it by some court document.”
    I exhaled a silent breath. “So you’ll help me? Be my lawyer?”
    “I can’t. It’s too painful. I’ll do a little research, but that’s probably it.”
    “Okay. Thanks, Brody.”
    “Hey, Farrah?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Tell me once for old time’s sake. I may never get to hear it again.”
    Saying the words wouldn’ t be a lie. A part of my heart would always be his even if I had moved on. I closed my eyes when they moistened. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    “Just once. I’ll never ask again.”
    I glanced to my right and left down the hallway. “I love you,” I whispered. Saying it felt wrong and insincere.
    “Doesn’t quite sound the same. I guess that’s all the proof I needed that we’re over.” He ended the call without saying goodbye. I’d almost expected an “I love you” from him.
    Clenching the phone in my hand, I held it to my chest and bowed my head slightly. After I stood there with my eyes closed for a few minutes, letting the realization that it was over for good this time sink, I opened the door and went inside.

Chapter 20
    “I’m bored.” Mac grumbled.
    “What do you want to do?”
    He popped a handful of M&Ms into his mouth and thought for a moment. “Paint.”
    It was nearly eight and the kid was still wired. I only had myself to blame since I’d given him all the sweets. He held out the bag of candy to me and I poured a handful for myself. I needed the sugar because I was running on fumes. Babysitting had worn me out.
    “I can fill some plastic cups from the bathroom