Page 9 of Pretty Broken Things
Ford turns back around, and without a word joins me at the table. He takes my fork, and pokes at my dinner. “If I’m staying we need to order a pizza.”
I can’t fight the smile that comes across my face. Ford and I have nothing in common, and whatever this weird thing between us tonight is, I need it.
ChapterFour
Ford
The doorbell rings,and I beat Tessa to the door. She tries to get around me, but she’s so much smaller than me I hold her back with my hand plastered to her forehead.
“Ford! It’s my house, I’m paying for the pizza.”
“That’s cute, pint size, but contrary to what you might think, I actually do have money. There’s this thing called a job, and I have one of those.”
Before she can argue further, I hand the pizza guy the money and take the box from him. “Where are we eating?”
Tessa tips her head toward the stairs. “Let’s take it up to my room.”
“I know I paid for the pizza, but I’m not expecting you to put out,” I tease her.
Her mouth gapes open, and a pretty flush crawls up her neck. “That’s not what I meant,” she stammers.
I smile at her, letting her know I’m teasing. Tessa slaps me on the chest. “Even when we’re getting along you’re still an ass.”
Shrugging, I tell her, “Can’t change my essential nature.”
She rolls her eyes. “Well, try and suppress it for a while. I was actually liking having you around. C’mon, you’ll see why I want to go to my room.”
I follow her up the stairs, and she takes me into the largest bedroom I’ve ever seen in my life. Actually it’s more like rooms. Tessa winces as she watches my face. “Yeah, it’s a suite. I’ve got my own bathroom, living room, bedroom, and walk-in closet. I’d have a kitchenette, but I don’t cook.”
She spins around. “All of this, I should be happy, right?”
“I don’t think it works that way, Tessa. Things don’t make you happy if you’re always alone.”
She tries hard to force a smile, but it wobbles a little. “Well, I’m not alone tonight.”
I don’t know what comes over me. For once I feel a sort of camaraderie with this girl who has represented everything I hate most about Ocean Bluff. Tonight though, I feel like we understand each other better than anyone else can.
“Don’t do that. You don’t need to put on a front with me. For tonight, let’s just let the outside world melt away. All that exists is you and me.”
Tessa nods. “I can do that.” She gets us set up in her living area, and hands me a remote. “Okay, Ford, let’s see what your taste in movies is like.”
I flip through her subscriptions and land onBill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
“What is this?” Tessa asks, and hands me a slice of pizza.
“Classic Keanu. I think we’re due a night of easy fun, yeah?”
And for one night we let it all go.
* * *
My truck roarsthrough the school parking lot Monday morning. I pull into a spot in the back next to Shane, and kill the engine. He waits for me as I climb out, and we shoulder our book bags and make our way to the school. “Are you ready for this?” he asks.
“For what, another year, or for our last year?” I ask. “I thought I’d be more excited for it than I am to be honest.”
“Don’t start getting all nostalgic on me now. Hold that shit in until we’ve forgotten how shitty all these people are.”
“I’m not sure I’m ever going to forget that, and I’m sure as hell looking forward to leaving home.”