Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles Read Free Book Online Page A

interview, then he’s got to fess up to being an ass around Lucy.
    “What did you think of Lucy?” I ask before taking a swig of lemonade from the container.
    “She’s very pretty.”
    “Yup,” I say, waiting for more.
    “Polite.”
    “Uh huh.” I eat a slice of turkey as I watch him figure out how he screwed up. His eyebrows furrow, then spread apart as his mouth drops open with his breath.
    Aha, got it. There we go.
    “Okay. You’re right. I honestly don’t know how I feel about her. That was my chance to meet her.” He rubs his temple. “I really screwed that one up, didn’t I?”
    “I wouldn’t exactly say it went well.”
    “I’m sorry that Carl threw me off. I kept thinking campaign instead of family. She’s important to you, correct?”
    “Yes. She’s awesome.”
    “Oh, so I take it you really like her?”
    “As I told you last week at dinner, I love her.” I set the lemonade down. Why didn’t he believe me the first time? Or listen?
    “Ah, I see.” Dad straightens out his wedding ring. “Well, then I owe her an apology too. I didn’t take the time to get to know her, and I definitely want to if she means so much to you.”
    “Thank you.” I hold out the lemonade to Dad. He takes a sip.
    “Jeff! How many times have I asked you not to drink from that?” Mom says as she opens the basement door, sweaty from her treadmill run.
    “He made me do it,” Dad says as he tosses it back to me. Mom laughs and I roll my eyes before I take another long sip.
    “Okay, okay.” Mom takes the container away while the rim is still in my mouth. “So what’d I miss?”
    “Oh, just Dad forcing me to do a reality show.”
    “Jeffery Marshall.” Mom’s voice drops low and stern. “You know how I feel about that show.”
    Dad throws his hands up. “It’s only an interview, Christy. Not the show.”
    “Are you okay with this?”
    No. But it’s not like I have a choice.
    “Justin?”
    “Yeah. It’s fine. One interview won’t hurt. There’s no way I’m doing that show next fall though.” My eyebrows raise toward Dad.
    “I wouldn’t want you to either,” Dad replies.
    “Good. Because you both would be on my bad list if you did that show.”
    Dad points at me. “Did you know your son is in love?”
    I nearly spit lemonade from my mouth. Nice subject change.
    “Yes, of course. A mother doesn’t miss that.” Mom steps away from his side. Usually they are all over each other. I mean, this is better, but… it’s weird. There’s too much tension. It reminds me of the days leading up to Jackson’s death.
    “Why didn’t you tell me? I messed up meeting her,” Dad growls.
    “Because Justin told both of us last week, during our only family dinner. Remember?”
    He doesn’t answer.
    “See, this is what I’m talking about when I say you need to pay more attention, Jeff.” They stare at one another, silent.
    I step back from the counter. Time for a quick exit. “Okay, I’ve got a paper to write.”
    “Right now?” Mom calls behind me as I make my way down to the basement. “Didn’t you have dinner with Lucy earlier?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Isn’t this that twelve-page one? You know the rules. No hanging out with friends until homework is done. You aren’t eighteen yet.”
    “Mom, if I ever miss a deadline or an assignment, feel free to lecture me. Until then,” I raise the container of lemonade to her, “cheers.”
    “Cheers, son!” Dad calls behind her as I close the door. Good. He owes me escape from at least the homework rule. I can’t believe she still tries to hold that over me.
    “Jeffery, we need to talk.” Mom’s voice filters through the door.
    I beeline it for the television, turning on football. iPod on and headphones in, I crank Hammock, sure to drown out their arguing tones.

Chapter Five

     
    Lucy
     
    Coach T tosses his hands up in the air. Face red and blotched, he yells at Chelsey, “Are you kidding!? What was that?”
    I tug Chelsey’s hand behind the