Page 34 of Anything Goes

Thirty minutes.

That’s how long it would take for us to reach our destination. That wasn’t that long of a bus ride, but it was starting to seem like forever since Alauni was unusually quiet. She’d been that way since I’d spotted her around the school earlier, and it hadn’t changed much since we’d loaded the bus to head to the track meet.

I was desperate to know what was on her mind. Especially if it had anything to do with what we’d last discussed.

Maybe she was having second thoughts.

Too nervous to ask, I tried to focus on something else, but the shit was driving me crazy. The music from my phone wasn’t keeping me occupied, and the constant chatter and laughs from the students behind me wasn’t doing the trick either.

“I know you want to ask, so ask?” I finally heard Alauni say.

Removing my earbuds, I made a pointless attempt to pretend like I didn’t really understand. “Did you say something?”

“Don’t even try it. I know you heard me. Your music wasn’t up that loud.”

“I really didn’t hear what you said.”

She laughed. “Yeah right. Anyway, just ask me what’s wrong so I can tell you.”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“Mmhmm, scoot over,” she said as she stood up from her seat.

Shrugging, I did as she asked and looked back to make sure that the kids were too occupied to pay attention to our conversation.

“So, what’s up?” I asked. “I was trying not to bug you. I told you that I would give you time, so…”

“It’s not about that.”

“Oh okay.” I was somewhat relieved, but unsure if that was a good or a bad thing. I mean, if she wasn’t thinking about us, then what the hell was she thinking about?”

Then it hit me.

Dropping my head, I said, “Let me guess, Latrell has screwed up again.”

“I know you’re probably sick of me talking about him, and trust me, I’m sick of talking about him too. But it seems like he’s determined to make my life hell. I just don’t get it. All I want to do is raise our daughter and steer clear of the drama, but drama seems to follow Latrell wherever he goes.”

“What drama did he bring this time?”

“The same chick.”

“You’re talking about the girl that messaged you?”

“Yes! But this time she had the nerve to call me from his phone.”

“Wow!”

“I know…crazy, right?”

I shook my head in disbelief.

The fact that Latrell had allowed another woman to place herself in the middle of them was disrespectful on so many levels. Never should another woman be able to put her two cents into a situation that doesn't have anything to do with her. Especially when theirs a child involved.

I continued to listen as Alauni filled me in on the phone conversation between the three of them. The more she shared, the angrier I got. But I had to remember my place. Just like I didn’t agree with Latrell’s little girlfriend sticking her nose where it didn’t belong, I knew I had to do the same. Now, if Alauni wanted me to step in, I definitely would. But for now, I just needed to be there for her.

“That’s a lot. I see why you’re so drained.”

“Exactly.” She dropped her head back and closed her eyes. “I just need some time to relax and not think about any of this mess. Thankfully, Layne is with my mom, so I’ll have some time to relax after we get back from the meet.”