Page 59 of The Fast Lane
“I love you, too.” Mom paused. “Are you alright? You sound anxious.”
“I do?”
“Yes, I know that voice. Do you need something? Did you forget something at home? We could turn around and get it.”
“We are not turning around,” Dad growled. “We’ve been on the road for four hours.”
“You wouldn’t make that sacrifice if one of our children needed us?”
“No. Not even if God sent an angel down. Do you know how much gas costs?”
“Stop saying things like that. When God strikes you with lightning, I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”
“Take me home, Lord, I’m ready,” Dad shouted, as he often did.
“Mom, I’m still here.” I laughed.
“Oh, honey,” Mom said. “I’m so sorry. Your father was being a smartass again.”
Dad’s voice was faint but clear. “Better than being a dumbass.”
“Okay, okay, you two. You don’t have to turn around. I’m fine.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I’m sure. Go drive Dad crazy. You know he secretly loves it.”
Mom giggled. “I know. You tell Theo we said hi. He’s such a nice boy, isn’t he?”
“Sure.”
“I was just telling your father he’ll make someone a fine husband one day.”
Frowning, I pulled the phone from my ear and stared at it. Where was all this coming from? “Okay.”
“I know you’ve always had that little cru?—”
“I’m way over that.”
What a lying liar I was. After lightning struck Dad, it was coming for me next.
“Oh, of course, honey,” Mom said quickly. “Now, you all be safe today.”
After hanging up with her, I slipped on my backpack and went next door to Mack and Theo’s room.
Mack opened the door, cradling a swaddled Karen, only her small, ugly face visible. She growled at me; I growled back.
“Don’t you look bright as a daisy,” he said. “Are you hungry? I was about to go get me some of that free breakfast. But your boyfriend there is taking his sweet time.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.” I breezed through the door, dropping a kiss on Mack’s cheek. Karen growled louder.
Mack grinned. “Right. Right.”
Theo grunted from his spot at the desk. “I’ll be another minute. You can go without me.”
“Go say good morning to the man. Might put him in a better mood. I’ll slip on over and get me some coffee.” Mack patted my arm and waltzed through the open door. Before it closed all the way, he peeked back inside. “Now, you kids, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Go away, Mack.”