Running On Empty

by Emily Camp

  “I’m fine,” he said and gave a slight shake of his head. She looked toward the hall, to her room, her heart speeding up. What was she supposed to say? She eased down in the recliner. Sleep wasn’t happening, if she stayed up and talked to him or not.

  He lifted his face toward the television, but didn’t speak. Either he didn’t realize she sat down, or he was ignoring her.

  “Wanna talk about it?”

  His knee bounced, and she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He did lose his mom this summer, and she knew there was a lot of drama between him, Parker, and the rest of his family.

  “I’m flunking out of college. My dad’s going to kill me.”

  “I’m failing eleventh grade, and my dad doesn’t even care that I exist because I have a baby.”

  “All right, you win.” He let out an unconvincing laugh.

  “Have you told Parker?”

  He shook his head. “I just needed to get away, you know.”

  “You’re not going to bring your grades up skipping and hanging out here all day.”

  He nodded, his eyes trained on the television. “I wasn’t going to pass this semester anyway.”

  “You’re not even going to try?” Bree felt that way herself, but for entirely different reasons.

  Spencer scratched his bicep. “It’s not for me. Lots of people don’t go to college.”

  Bree’s chest felt hollow. What money her dad had put in a college fund for her was surely gone or moved to her little sister’s. Her mom certainly didn’t have one for her. It wasn’t like she’d be able to go anyway, she could barely get through high school. But if she had the chance, if college was handed to her like it was Spencer, she would seize the opportunity. One of her biggest dreams in life was to be a teacher. Of course, her dad would tell her that spending money on college to be a teacher wasn’t worth it. He’d say that if she was going to school, she needed to go for a higher paying job.

  She made the mistake of glancing at the television, skin flashing on the screen. “Is that?” her hand flew over her eyes.

  Spencer’s light laughter filled the room. “It’s MTV. If I was watching porn, I’d have invited you to watch it with me.”

  “You’re so gross.” Bree stood up, shaking her head, now brave enough to look at the television again. It was one of those reality dating shows, the girl in barely anything, and the guy with his hands all over her. Which wasn’t much better.

  Spencer let out a low chuckle.

  “Good night,” she said, before heading back to the bedroom.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Bree tugged on the low-cut tight purple top as she walked down the hall, as if that would magically make it grow. It was already low on Carly, but Bree was a little bigger in the chest, so it was that much more on her.

  It wasn’t that she and Carly had never exchanged clothes, but that was before Bailey.

  She retrieved her books from her locker, not even knowing why she bothered. She took in a couple quick breaths while she was hidden away from the crazy hall.

  “Dressing like a slut isn’t going to win him back.” Paige’s voice made Bree’s stomach clench.

  Paige leaned against the wall, gazing down at her manicured hand.

  Bree didn’t give her the satisfaction of replying.

  “He knows you trapped him with the baby.”

  “I don’t know why that’s any of your business,” Bree mumbled to the books folded in her arms as she shut her locker door with a clang.

  “Because he should be with me, but he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.” Paige kicked off the wall and blinked her overly darkened lashes.

  “We broke up. He can be with anyone he wants. Guess he doesn’t want you.”

  “If that’s the case then he wouldn’t have been at my house the other night, ignoring your phone calls.”

  The edges of Bree’s notebook pierced into her palms. The lump in her chest growing as she thought about that night. Her wrestling with a screaming, sick child and he had the nerve to be mad at her when she didn’t answer the returned call an hour later. He was with Paige. Robin told her to talk to him about it, but she didn’t want to bring it up yesterday when they’d been getting along. Bree couldn’t respond. She bit her bottom lip, pushing her way past Paige and through the crowd.

  She only caught a glimpse of Maggie’s red curls at Jake’s locker as she sped by. Maggie calling her name was faint behind everyone’s chatter. She needed to get to class, but she couldn’t go like this. She pressed her books to her chest and headed straight outside.

  It wasn’t far by car, but a good distance away on foot. She didn’t care. She even entertained the idea of throwing her books along-side of the road.

  As she crossed the street, she wished she had her boots instead of her canvas shoes. They would have been a little warmer, but those, like everything else she owned, were at her mom’s.

  By the time she made it to Parker’s, her nose had nearly frozen. She banged on the door and waited, turning her back to the wall and propping against the building.

  She knew Spencer was there. His Mustang sat in the parking lot below, windows covered in frost. She banged again and rang the doorbell over and over. She heard a curse from the other side of the door. “I’m coming.”

  She was a little jealous he was asleep and warm while she’d been out in the freezing air.

  The door swung open. Spencer scratched the back of his messy hair, his eyes still droopy from sleep. He wore a pink tee that said something about feeling boobs for the sake of saving them. Of course he would turn something like cancer awareness into a chance to feel boobs. She was just glad he was in a shirt now. Boxers with red lips all over them finished the outfit off.

  “Bree,” his eyes narrowed and forehead wrinkled as he looked over her shoulder. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school …” he then smirked and bobbed his head as he looked back at her. “I know. This is a dream, you’re here for me to warm you up.”

  “It’s not a dream perv.” She pushed him out of the way, her frozen skin tingling from the sudden warmth. She tossed her books on the coffee table with a thud.

  “Ouch, you’re right, not a dream.” He stepped back to let her in. “If it were, you’d be in a bikini.”

  “Spencer, don’t make me hurt you.” She stalked to the kitchen, rubbing her hands along the way.

  “Maybe I like to be hurt,” he drawled. “Sure you don’t need some warming up?”

  She turned toward the stove, twisting on the burner.

  His breath suddenly on the back of her neck.

  She yanked her elbow back, jabbing him in the stomach.

  “Oomph, it really isn’t a dream,” he groaned as he doubled over.

  “Are you serious?” She held the silver tea kettle under running water.

  “Yeah,” he winced. “You’re supposed to be at school.”

  “And so are you.” She placed the kettle on the burner.

  “You’re freezing.” His eyes widened and he placed an arm around her. Only this time, it didn’t feel like he was making a move.

  He ushered her to the sofa, sat her down, and covered her with his blanket. It was still warm from him.

  “I’ll make you some coffee.”

  “I actually started the water for hot chocolate.”

  “Hot chocolate?” He said as he scooted the sofa toward the heater.

  Bree nodded.

  “Okay you stay right here …” one side of his mouth quirked up as he looked at the ceiling. “Unless you’d rather take a hot shower …”

  She kicked him this time, her foot colliding with his thigh.

  “Dang, still not a dream,” he winced, holding his injury and limping back to the kitchenette.

  Bree’s lips twitched. She was right, she could take care of herself if she needed to. Her face thawed with the warm air blowing on it and she began to feel her toes again. She’d kicked off her shoes, curling her feet under her to speed up the thaw.
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br />   Spencer soon met her on the couch with two Harris Dairy mugs of steaming liquid.

  “Does your dad advertise on everything?” Bree laughed. Thinking of the Harris Dairy coasters on the coffee table behind them, the Harris Dairy tooth brush holder in Parker’s bathroom and all the tee shirts and sweat shirts Parker owned.

  “Takes money to make money.” Spencer handed Bree one of the mugs.

  “Thanks.” She smiled, feeling returning to her cheeks again.

  “Why are we skipping school today, Breanna?” He kicked his feet up on the heater while cradling the mug in between his hands.

  Bree flinched.

  “Not short for Breanna?” He tilted his head, as he sipped his mug.

  “It is.” She took a drink of hers, just sweet enough and warm enough for her. “My mom calls me Breanna when she’s mad and my dad … well, before he disowned me, that was the only thing he called me.” she took another sip.

  “Bree’s sexier.” Spencer sighed, pulling his mug to his lips.

  “Oh my gosh, would you stop?” It felt good to laugh again. She tried to remember the last time she actually sat down and joked with someone.

  “Yeah,” He sat up with a smirk, his elbows landing on his thighs, and tilted his head her way. “I don’t know how you’re resisting these sexy boxers”

  Bree giggled even louder, lifted her face to the ceiling. “Yes, as much as I hate to see you put pants on, I need a favor.”

  His smirk twitched and an eyebrow rose. “I hate to put pants on, too.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “What do you need? I’m sure I’ll say yes. I always do.” He winked.

  “I need a ride to pick up Bailey.”

  “First, you’re going to put on a Harris Dairy sweat shirt, because it will be warmer, as much as I hate to see you put a shirt on.” He winked as he stood up. “Let me go take a cold shower … I mean warm one.”

  “You’re too much.”

  Why couldn’t life always be this simple? This was something she missed with Garrett; too many responsibilities and problems in their way.

  “Yep, that’s what they all say, baby.” He stretched his arms in the air and placed his hand on the back of his head, flexing his muscles.

  ***

  The quiet Mustang almost lulled Bree to sleep. Spencer’s oversized sweatshirt warmed her like a thick blanket, the smell a mixture of laundry detergent and boy soap, made her want to pull it to her nose and breathe in. She knew if she did, he’d say something arrogant and sexist.

  “What’s going on with you and baby-daddy now?” His fingers drummed on the steering wheel.

  She glanced out of the window before replying, wondering how much she should share. “Nothing. I thought he wanted me back. I guess I was wrong.”

  “Is that what you want?” His voice was sober, not the flirty, teasing tone he normally had.

  She ran her hands up and down the thighs of her jeans. She needed to do something with her hands. “I don’t know.”

  He didn’t speak. Who would’ve thought she’d leave him speechless.

  Keeping her head resting on the seat, she turned to face him.

  He stared out the window, the morning fog hovered above the ground.

  He glanced over as if he could feel her staring. His eyes meet hers and he smiled. “I am an excellent listener.”

  Bree’s heart did a weird flip that she’d only been used to it doing with Garrett.

  “When you’re trying to get in some girl’s pants.” She looked away, she had to lighten the mood again.

  “I wouldn’t, not to you.”

  Just then a horrible grumble came from her belly. She felt her face flush. Not like she was trying to impress Spencer, but he was cute, and it was not exactly flattering.

  She held a hand over the sweatshirt pocket. “Sorry.”

  He tilted his face toward her, “You hungry?”

  “Well … um, no, my stomach just does that.” She hadn’t eaten since Robin fed her last night.

  “Our brother would kill me if he knew I let you starve, to the food it is.”

  ***

  “I think these are the best pancakes I’ve ever had.” Bree was sure she’d regret eating this much, but once she began shoving in the comfort food, she couldn’t stop.

  Even though she’d lived here all her life, she’d never been to this little mom and pop restaurant. Spencer said he liked to eat at the small places. His dad was small at one time and always put a priority on supporting the little guy. She was pretty sure she’d heard Parker say that a few times as well.

  “Good, I was getting tired of hearing your stomach.” He dipped his head down with a smirk.

  Bree felt her face flush. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m teasing.” He nudged her with his elbow.

  This time, her stomach fluttered, she glanced down at her breakfast, pushing food around. “You should go back to school.”

  His fork squealed as he scraped it across his plate. “It’s not like high school, you know.”

  “What, get by on charm?”

  He shot her a crooked smile. “You know me.” He laughed then was serious. “No, it’s just, a lot of crap has happened.”

  She felt bad for bringing it up now. “Your mom?”

  “That’s part of it. I thought I was going to get right in with Owen’s fraternity. Turns out, that isn’t really my thing.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, I can’t see you in a fraternity.”

  “I partied too hard and studied too little. Apparently, sleeping with fraternity brother’s sisters and girlfriends is frowned upon.”

  Bree rolled her eyes, of course part of it was about girls. “You don’t say?”

  He shrugged, slipping a giant fork full of food in his mouth. He swallowed. “What about you? Any big plans after high school or are you still planning on flunking out?”

  Bree had to laugh at that. She was only a junior, but if you would have asked her before she was pregnant, she’d give you a detailed plan of the next ten years. “I was going to go to college to be a teacher. But considering I’ve skipped the last two days of school since we discussed this, my grades haven’t come up any.”

  “A teacher?” He brought his fork to his lips.

  Bree nodded, the waitress sat down her drink, and she thanked her, taking a big gulp, then wiping her hands on her napkin. “That was before Bailey.”

  He looked down at his food.

  Bree took that as a signal to take another bite of hers as well. “There’s this online school I’m thinking about doing. It’s for teen moms, and I can work from home. I’ve been reading up on it. They’d give me a laptop and everything.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a bad deal.”

  “I guess not, but, it’s just that everything else in my life has changed with the baby … and I don’t want to have to give school up, too, even if it has been a nightmare this year.”

  “Change sucks.”

  “I know.”

  “I tell you what,” he leaned forward over his almost bare plate, “I’ll go back to school if you do.”

  A laugh bubbled from her. “I plan on it.”

  “Okay, well, how about, I go to school next year if you plan on going to college, too.”

  “I don’t have the money for college.”

  “I know I never had to worry about it, but there are grants and scholarships.”

  “I don’t know.” She bit her lower lip and looked down, swirling what was left of her pancakes. “Why don’t you show the good-guy side more often? You’d probably pick up more chicks.”

  He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Chicks dig bad boys, you know it.”

  “The ones that are worth it want good guys.” She took another big bite of pancake.

  “I don’t want the ones that are worth it. I just want to have …” He looked up at her, that sideways smirk back, “… fun.”

  “That’ll get you in trouble.”

 
“I like trouble.” He quirked another grin her way, before taking the last bite off his plate.

  Bree looked down. She wanted to eat more. The pancakes were almost as good as Robin’s. Thinking of Robin reminded her that she’d probably never have her pancakes or any of her cooking again. The closest thing she had to a mom now would be complicated. She tried to push away the thought of Paige sitting in her spot at Sunday dinner. Robin sending cookies home with her in the evenings or calling her up just to see how she was doing. It hurt almost as bad as picturing Garrett with Paige.

  “You done?” Spencer brought her out of her thoughts, tipping his head toward her.

  She looked down, “Yeah.”

  He lifted his hand in a wave as their waitress walked by. Hands full, she nodded at him with a flirty smile. “Can we get the check?”

  “Sure, I’ll be right back, hon.” She winked as she sauntered off, the backside of her jeans swaying a little too much if you asked Bree.

  “What now?” His smile turned her way.

  “We go get Bailey.”

  Spencer’s eyes narrowed at her, and she wondered what she said wrong.

  “Hold on.” He leaned closer, almost too close.

  Bree started to lean away when he lifted his hand to her chin, swiping his thumb across the corner of her lip.

  “You …” he pulled away quickly and scratched the back of his head, looking at the table. “You had a little something … I’m just going to go take care of the check.” He slid out of the seat, leaving Bree wondering what just happened.

  ***

  “Call dad.” Parker’s key jingled from his hand as he stalked into the apartment, his face down, filing through his stack of mail.

  “Nah, I’m good.” Spencer kicked his feet up, his arms stretched across the back of the sofa.

  Bree spent most of the day avoiding him in the spare bedroom. He’d made little attempt to talk to her, also. It was the hunger pangs and knowing Parker was almost home that brought her out of hiding.

  Parker tossed his keys on the kitchen counter. He took a deep breath and turned toward Spencer. “You can’t hide from him here.”