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“Sure, Mom. So, what’s with this surprise?” I wring my hands in front of me.
“Well, sweetie, Aaron and I wanted to do something nice for you. Remember the car that your dad and you talked about getting you when you were little? The car you two were obsessed with?”
“A 1967 Ford Mustang GT.” And that’s when I look past her as Aaron removes a cover that is hiding the black beauty directly behind her. “Oh my God. Is this …”
She nods excitedly. “Yeah. Aaron had it fully restored for you.” She purses her lips as she waits for my reaction to the news that my stepfather bought me the car that my dad and I planned on getting and restoring together.
And I honestly don’t know how to feel.
This was supposed to be something my dad and I did together, not something Aaron simply bought me.
But at the same time, I understand the gesture. The need to try to bond with me on something. Except he’s already doing so much for me. Almost too much.
He is paying for my entire education. He gave me a place to live. He takes care of my mother.
And I know how much it will hurt if I don’t give him this inch.
I watch him walk from the driver’s side around to where I am standing. His eyes say it all. The hopefulness.
“Wow, Aaron. I don’t know what to say. She’s beautiful. Thank you for this.” I look up at him and instantly see the relief on his face.
My stepdad wraps me in a hug. “I’m so glad you like it. Here.” He pulls back and drops keys in my hand. “It’s all yours. Filled her up, and already have the parking sticker pass on the window. You just have to go take her for a ride.”
“Oh my God, yes we so need to take this for a ride.” Addy jumps in excitement behind me.
“As much as I would love to do that now, we have classes in a bit. We will take it for a spin later today after we finish.” I look over at the beautiful piece of machine. My heart wrenches as I wish it was my dad here with me to take it out for our first drive.
“Look, maybe next weekend you two can come home for dinner.” My mom rubs my shoulders comfortingly.
“Maybe so. I need to look at my project schedule. But I will call you and let you know.” I smile politely at her.
She pulls me in for a hug. Her arms feel so warm, so assuring. “Okay, sweetie. Aaron and I have an appointment we need to get to. Call me later, okay?”
“Sure, Mom. I love you.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Love you too, Rory.”
“To fucking projects!” Jason holds up his shot of Fireball.
“To fucking projects!” the four of us repeat and clink shot glasses.
Scarlet, Morgan, Addy, and I knock back our drinks and slam them down on the table. The warm cinnamon flavor has a nice burn as it goes down.
I do a little shake at the strong aftertaste of the alcohol.
“You want to go dance?” Addy glances over at me. I look down at the dance floor bustling with college students, and a grin breaks out over my face.
“You know what? Yeah, I do! Let’s go!” I jump out of my chair and grab her hand as we race down the stairs of the Black Dragon.
The band on the stage starts up a new song and I instantly recognize it:Thirty Seconds to Mars The Kill (Bury Me).
Throwing my hands in the air, the alcohol giving me a comfortable buzz, I start to move to the music. There are bodies all around me, jumping to the song, swaying to the beat. My voice shouts out the lyrics, and my body finally feels at ease.
Addy and I rock out to the band as they continue to play song after song. Chevelle’sRemember Whenstarts up by the coverband, and I lose my mind. I love this fucking song. I belt out every single word, exhausted by the end.
“I think I need some fresh air,” I yell over the music.
“Oh! I can go with you!” Addy shouts into my ear.