I’d missed a call from home two minutes ago. “What’s wrong?” asked Billy. “I have to go,” I said. “Don’t follow me.” I started down the steps toward the van as the phone rang. My father parked in the no waiting zone as if rules didn’t apply to him. He got out looking happy. He held a cell phone to his ear, a bright blue one I’d never seen before. The number on my mom’s cell in my hand showed the word “Judy”—was he actually using his lover’s cell phone to call me? I didn’t answer. I walked up to him and he hung up. “What are you doing here?” I asked him. “I needed to see you, Puppy.” “Mom’s supposed to pick me up.” He sighed patiently. “Jennifer, I know you’re angry with me right now, but get in the car. I’m not kidnapping you. Your mother knows I’m here.” I didn’t want to throw a fit in front of Billy, who might still be watching us from the steps. As I opened the passenger door I realized I still had Billy’s sweatshirt jacket tied around my waist.
