Page 10

TREVOR

I pace right outside the office, waiting for Kim. She’s seven minutes late so far.

Trevor: Kim isn’t here yet. I’m leaving.

Mom: You can’t just leave!

I start my way on the path to my apartment. It’s a few blocks further than home to the hotel, but it’s a nice walk.

Trevor: I told you that’s what I’m going to do, and I even waited. I have plans and I’ve already missed half of them. I’m out. Don’t text or call unless you don’t see me on Monday.

And for good measure, I block mom’s number. My entire body shakes and my stomach rolls with nausea. But it’s for my own good.

“Sorry, kid!” Kim says as she rushes past.

I let out a sigh of relief. I can’t help it and pick up the pace until I’m running full out. Now that I’m off, I need to get ready as fast as possible.

I kick off my sneakers at the door and strip as I dash down the hallway. The stinky clothes go in the hamper immediately and I rush to the bathroom. Before I can get the water started, I remember I was going to send Daddy Andy my outfit options and hightail it to my bedroom to raid my closet.

There are too many choices and I yank them all off the hanger and throw them on the bed and take a picture. I send it to Daddy Andy before tossing my phone on the bed and rushing back to the bathroom instead of waiting for a response. I won’t wear the outfit while I’m driving, but I’ll pack it.

My shower is colder than I like, since I didn’t let it warm up. I’m sucking breaths through my teeth as the chilly water pelts me. At least I’m clean, though. I rub myself dry with a fresh towel and catch myself on the counter when I slip in my haste to get back to my room.

Andy: So many raccoons. You’ll have to tell me the story behind that. What about the pink footie pjs or the yellow onesie?

I stuff them both in my rainbow backpack and put Bandit, my pink raccoon stuffie, right on top. Then add Georgie, my yellow duckie stuffie, Bandit’s bestie. I also throw in a change of clothes since I’m supposed to be staying with Maddie tonight after we all play.

I slide on a soft t-shirt, this one without the carnival logo, and jeans to travel in. I’m almost out the door when my phone rings. Knowing it can’t be mom, I answer.

“Hey, kiddo, are you okay?” Dad’s voice rings out from the speakerphone as I slide on my shoes.

“Yeah? Why do you ask?”

I can practically hear dad scratching his head. “Your mom called me saying you blocked her number.”

I tell him what happened, and he sighs. “Sorry to bother you, Trevor. I’ll see if I can talk some sense into her. She shouldn’t have called you in today.”

“It’s fine. Done and over with. I’m heading out.”

“Have fun, and don’t think about home until Monday. Drive safe, kiddo.”

“Thanks. See you Monday.”

We end the call, and I laugh. Probably so I don’t cry. I slide into the driver seat of my car, but before I turn it on I shoot a text to Andy.

Trevor: How will I know you?

Andy: I’ll have a purple teddy on my shoulder.

I cock a brow and snort a laugh. That’s a new one and I can’t wait to see.

Trevor: I look forward to meeting you and purple teddy in about an hour.

Andy: Drive safe.

My heart melts. My own father just said the same thing, but coming from Andy feels special somehow.