The Boy Next Door

Chapter 39

I looked at myself in the mirror as I finished straightening my hair, my brown eyes duller than I've ever seen them before. I rolled my eyes, my lips pulling into a frown as my mother walked into the room.

She's been walking on eggshells around me, not really saying much as I made it a point to not say anything in return. She got the hint last night I suppose because no words have been shared between us since six last night.

I pulled the hair tie on my wrist while I smoothed down my shirt, basically anything to not make notice of her presence. "What time will you be off work?" I exhaled deeply, not trying to engage in conversation.

"Eight-ish, like always." I clipped, my response short and blunt as I stood from the seat.

"I'm heading out to go help Damon and Jocelyn..." I rolled my eyes to myself, not the least bit happy about her helping with Damon and I's date. He's refused to tell me where we're going or what we're doing, just for me to dress casual but not casual... like that helps.

I'm hoping we're going to be inside somewhere because the snow is not letting up out there. I tuck my phone in my back pocket as I turn on my heel, my mother still standing awkwardly near my bed. I raise my brows slightly, waiting to see if she'll say something else or just leave.

Shaking my head, I made sure my curtains were drawn in before grabbing my keys. "Don't have this attitude tonight, he's worked really hard for this to be a fun night for the two of you."

I snap my eyes to her, not expecting that to leave her mouth. "Why would I?"

"You're the one walking around here with nothing to say-"

"And last time I checked, he wasn't the one ignoring my cry for help. So, no, I don't have anything to say to you now."

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she grounded me after tonight, that always being one of her tactics towards me. She's probably thinking I'm being over dramatic, but I think I have a lot of restraint right now.

If I really wanted to be over dramatic, I'd leave in the middle of the night and not ever come back. She rolled her eyes while rubbing at the creases in her forehead, the look on my face completely unfazed as she walks out.

Just as I think I've finally regained peace, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pressed the 'decline' button of the call, agitation filling me as it was Grayson calling again. I wished nothing more for there to be a caller ID so I could at least block him, but that's never going to happen.

Ignoring the buzz off of my phone, I slipped it back in my pocket and made my way downstairs to leave for work. Stepping outside, the snow blanketed the ground as far as I could see, the tire tracks in the road being the only thing not completely covered.

It did make me smile though, the thought of Christmas only a six days away. I should probably starting looking for gifts...

I prayed the weather wouldn't turn bad; the roads being to icy or the snow falling to hard would halt my date tonight. Brushing the packed snow off the windshield, I slipped into the cold vehicle and made me way onto the road.

~*~

The day has been long, lots of screams and giddy customers all around. The place was decked out for the holidays; fake snow hanging on the railings, soft Christmas music on repeat, the large Christmas tree outside in the middle of the shopping complex.

Jason and I handed the group of teens there bowling shoes, a simple smile on my face as I hummed to the song playing. "Thanks," the brown haired boy said with a smile, his dimples prominent.