Page 58 of Broken Rivalry
“No, munchkin, it’s my friend’s car. I have to give it back to him.”
“Oh.” He seems pensive for a minute, and I hope he’s dropped the subject, but I’m not that lucky. “Is that Jeremy?”
“Jeremy?”
“Your friend from my birthday!”
“Oh!” I forgot what bogus name I’d given Ethan. “Yes, it’s his car.”
“I like him.”
I snort as I park in the nearly empty parking lot of the breakfast place. “Of course you do. He got you Star Wars stuff.”
Billy shoots me a cheeky grin, his laughter echoing as he dashes toward the blue-and-white diner.
I can’t help but laugh, too, despite all the emotions of this morning. His innocent laughter and wide-eyed wonder always remind me of the pure joy he brings into my life, and as I told Ethan, I would bleed to try and protect him from the darkness that taints this world.
We take the corner booth, allowing me to keep my eyes on Ethan’s car—no matter what, it looks a little out of place in this neighborhood. As Billy asks the waitress way too many questions about potential flavor combinations, I can’t help but stress about Mom’s interview, and my thoughts drift back to the smoking car. How will she even take care of that? How will she get it towed and fixed?
I glance at my phone and wince. I know what I should do, but my pride and my fear of perception are screaming to find another solution.
I hesitate for a split second, then type out a message to Ethan. Hey, are you busy? The moment I hit send, anxiety flutters in my stomach.
It’s not for you, Poppy, it’s for your family. Swallow your pride and ask for help.
“I’ll get the Pancake Royal, Pops. Is that okay?”
I raise my eyebrow with a little smile. “Are you sure you can eat all that, buddy?”
He pats his stomach. “Watch me!”
I laugh and nod. “Fine. Just a coffee for me, please,” I tell the waitress, extending the menu back to her.
He lowers his voice, concern evident in his eyes. “Is it too expensive, Pops? We can share if you want.”
A lump forms in my throat and my eyes sting with unshed tears as Billy’s words sink in.
“What? No, of course not! I had breakfast at Eth— Jeremy’s house before taking the car.” My phone buzzes with Ethan’s incoming call, a timely distraction from the weight of my thoughts.
“Hey. I’m lacing up for practice. What’s going on?”
I catch Billy’s eye, pointing to my phone and mouthing, “I’ll be back,” then step outside for some privacy.
“I didn’t mean to disturb your practice. I… needed-I-We can talk later. I—”
“Take a breath. I always have time for you. What do you need?”
His voice wraps around me like a comforting blanket, each word spoken with patience and care. It warms my heart, and I find myself smiling despite everything.
“My mom’s car is dead, and it needs towing and fixing, but money is a bit—”
“I’ll take care of it. Where’s the car?”
“I promise I’ll pay you back,” I add quickly, “it’s just that getting the money out all—”
“Poppy,” he interrupts, voice firm yet gentle. “Remember, we’re in this together. Where’s the car?”
“Well, no, it’s not because we slept together that you owe me anything. Ethan, I don’t want you to think that I had an ulterior motive. It’s just…” I bite my lip, suddenly self-conscious of the concerned glances from passersby as I pace back and forth in front of the diner’s windows.