Chapter 44
“Leah?”. Turning around I sighed with relief when I saw Lacey. “You needing a lift?”. She asked.
“Is that okay?”. I hated having to rely on everyone else for lifts. It wouldn’t be for much longer. Once I started working at the gas station I could start to save again.
“Of course it is come on”. Reaching her car I jumped in just glad to be out of the cold and rain. I couldn’t imagine having to walk home in that. “The dark nights are coming in Leah. You shouldn’t walk home when it’s like this”. Starting her car she pulled out of the parking lot. “It’s not safe”. “I know but sometimes I don’t have a choice”. I wasn’t even sure if I knew how to get home by walking.
“How’s the job search going, any luck?”. She asked.
“Yes actually”. I smiled. “Jake offered me a job at the gas station”. I wasn’t sure if that was a done deal right enough. “Well if his parents agree to it p>
“Yeah?”. She grinned. “That’s great Leah and I wouldn’t worry about Jakes parents saying no. Charlotte loves you p>
“I’m just glad I can finally start to save some money again and put it towards a car. I’m not big on always having to rely on other people. I hate it p>
“I get that”. She said as she pulled into my street. “But I’ll always help out and I’m sure Alanna will as well”. Speaking of Alanna where was she? She looked panicked at lunch and I hadn’t seen her since.
“Is Alanna okay?”. I asked as the car came to a stop.
“She’s okay her family have a lot going on just now. Wasn’t Ryan suppose to be tutoring you tonight p>
“He had to cancel due to football”. I shrugged feeling my phone vibrate. “He’s coming by tomorrow though p>
“Cool okay well I’ll see you tomorrow p>
“Bye Lacey and thanks again”. Unclipping my belt I got out. “See you tomorrow p>
Heading inside I kicked my shoes off and hung my jacket up. I could hear laughter and chatter coming from the kitchen. I wasn’t nervous about meeting George. He made my gran happy so I was happy. “Leah honey in here”. She called from the kitchen. Dumping my bag at the side of the couch I noticed the roses had been moved.
George was roughly the same age as my gran maybe a little older. Silvery grey hair and a masculine build with piercing blue eyes.
“It’s nice to finally meet you Leah”. Smiling at me he held out his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you”. Shame I couldn’t say the same. Slipping my hand in his I smiled at him. “It’s nice to meet you too”. “Dinner won’t be long so go get cleaned up I’ll give you a shout when it’s ready p>
“Cool”. Opening the fridge I grabbed a bottle of coke and made my way up to my room. I would have to ask her later where she moved the roses too. After showering and slipping into some fresh pjs I set up my laptop hoping to finish my English work. Today had been a weird day. I still had the worst gut feeling and I couldn’t shake it off. Turning on my tv I settled on the music channels for some back ground noise.
Checking my phone I forgot that I had receive a message when I got home.
‘Do you want to go for a milkshake tonight? Ax’
I thought she had family business to deal with. I could always go out after dinner for a little while. Besides I needed to find out if I had a job or not. Jake hadn’t mentioned anything else. ‘Sure after dinner p>
After sending the message I started to get ready. Pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt I shoved my feet into my UGG boots. Untying my hair I brushed it out before putting it back up into a messy bun.
‘Or we could just get food when we’re out? Ax’
There was no way I was getting out of this dinner. Not when she had waited so long to introduce me to George. I suppose I could always try.
‘Don’t know if she’ll let me skip tonight. I’m meeting her male friend’
Lifting my glasses I put them on. I had never been one for contacts because I didn’t need to wear them all the time but recently my eyes had been sore more often that usual.
Gathering my things I dumbed them in my bag making sure I remember cash. Raiding my closet I took of my parka and slipped it on. It was the weather for it.
Now all I needed to do was convince my gran to let me go. I know tonight was kind of special for her but I didn’t need to know George. As long as he made her happy and he was good to her then that’s all that mattered.
“Leah sweetheart dinner-.. oh you’re there. Why are you dressed like you’re going out?”. She frowned.
“Alanna asked me to go for a milkshake. Can I go?”. I asked. I didn’t want her to give me the disappointed look. If she really wanted me to stay then I would.
“Of course you can Leah. You don’t need to ask you’re eighteen but just remember to be home for 11 you’ve still got school tomorrow p>
“Thanks gran”. Kissing her cheek I made my way out the front door. Texting Alanna I slowly started to walk towards her house. One thing I loved about this street was how quiet it was. Reaching Alanna’s I texted her letting her know I was outside. I wondered if Lacey would be coming too. Hearing the laughter I turned around. Jack and a few other guys I didn’t know were walking out from the wooded area that surrounded Jakes house.
All shirtless. I don’t know how they do it. I was dressed for the winter and still freezing.