Free How It Rolls by Lila Felix Page B

“What else did she say?” I could only imagine.  Good thing she wasn’t alone with my dad. 
                  “She said you work tons, have a heart of gold, and she said she could tell by the way you look at me that you had it bad.” 
                  “I’ve never known my mom to lie.”  I shrugged and kept on driving. 
                  I pulled into the parking lot a few minutes later and my heart sunk into my stomach at the thought of not being around her.
                  “Your number is in my phone, right?” She looked like she wasn’t any happier than I was about parting ways.
                  “Yeah, did you make any tips?  I’m sure Mom had you bussing tables.” 
                  “I did.  Thank you for that.  So, it’s ok if I text you?”  Was she serious?  Could she text me?  She could call me every hour on the hour and I would be elated. 
                  “Yeah, you can text or call or whatever, it’s not going to cost anything.”
                  “Ok, I will talk to you later then?” 
                  “Yeah, I’m just going to go home and study.”
                  She opened the door and got out and I swore I heard my bench seat protest her absence. I patted it in consolation.  I felt its pain. I made sure she got into her car and pulled out onto the street before I left.  I got home sometime later after picking up a large coffee from a drive-thru.  I missed three classes today.  I planned to go, even though we were at the hospital most of the night, but after finding out that Reed wasn’t working, I decided to take the day off.  It was so worth it.  I was in my third year and hadn’t missed a day yet.  I hoped Dr. Glusman didn’t say anything world changing while I was gone. 
                  I unlocked the door to my apartment and though my mom and Nellie had criticized my living quarters for years, I didn’t pay any attention until tonight.  What if Reed came here?  I didn’t want her to feel weird in my lame ass bachelor pad.  Ok, Nellie and I were going to have to go shopping for a lot more than skates. 
                  I emailed a fellow classmate to ask for Dr. Glusman’s notes from the day and within thirty minutes I had made up for missing class.  I studied them and thankfully the girl I emailed had taken good notes.  I finished off the studying and the coffee and by the time I was done it was already nine o’clock.  I was exhausted from the night before so I decided to shower and head to bed early.  After getting out of the shower, I plugged in my phone and noticed I had a missed text message.
                  R: R u awake?
                  Me: I’m not that old.  Yes, still up.
                  R: Ha. Ha.  Just wanted to say thanks again.  I had the best day with you.
                  Me: U r welcome.  Tomorrow night?
                  R: What you have in mind?
                  Me: U, dress, me, suit, us, dinner.
                  R:   Ok, what time?
                  Me: I will pick you up at seven.  Address?
    Chapter 12
    Reed
    What people don’t know won’t hurt them. That’s what they say.  Of course it will, don’t be stupid.  Because the truth is a fickle wench.  She’s gonna come get you when you least expect it.  And her bedside manner is atrocious—flat out deplorable.
     
                  Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.  He opened the door and I just walked right through it like a premium grade moron.  Think Reed, think.
                  Me: I will be at the bookstore working.  We can just go from there.
                  Please buy it, please buy it, please buy it.
                  F: Ok, that’s fine. 
                  Me: By the way,