Country Mile

ASK TO BE HELD

Making good on her word, Genna didn't mention anything about her grounding for the rest of the day, but still refused to open up to Adam. It wasn't until the following evening when Delilah was getting ready to go to dinner and a movie with their group of friends that Genna could feel herself slipping.

Currently sporting light grey sweats, a white, pink, and baby blue tie dye tee with her hair in a top knot, Genna looked on enviously as Delilah applied the finishing touches to her makeup. Her long blonde hair held loose curls and she was adorned in black skinny jeans, tall black boots, with a deep burgundy sweater. She looked so cute, Genna grew more jealous by the moment...

"But he knows we've been planning this all fucking week!" Genna half whined, half spat to her sister.

"I know, and it sucks, but you can get out of this if you just talk to him," Delilah reminded.

Genna's eyebrows knitted together in contemplation. She chewed her lip, then heaved a sigh with a shake of her head. "I'll just join you guys next time."

Delilah rolled her eyes. "Why are you bein' like this? If you can tell me, why can't you tell him?"

"Because!"

"Because why?!"

"Because if I mention missing mom, it'll make him feel bad. It'll not only make him miss her too, but make him feel like he's not enough. I don't want to make him think that ever again."

"He wouldn't."

"He might."

"He won't! Besides, you really think he doesn't already suspect that you're missin' her? You do remember he has that magical ability to just know things, right?"

Genna stared at the brilliant girl before her. She may often play dumb, but not much gets past that blonde head of her's. She knew Delilah was most likely right, but she just couldn't get herself to chance it. The possibility that she could hurt Adam again wasn't worth an outing with the crew.

She was so convinced of it, she was able to say her goodbyes to her sister without so much as a huff. It wasn't until dinner when Delilah's empty chair grated on her frayed nerves.

Adam watched as Genna slowly pushed the food around on her plate. Her scowl deepening by the minute. He knew when those dark eyes were brewing storms, so he mentally prepared for what was impending. Giving her time, he waited until he was half way through his meal before clearing his throat.

"You gonna eat or are you just gonna keep playin' with your food?"

Genna put the fork down and reached for her glass of water instead. "I'm not playing with it."

"Looks that way from where I'm sittin'."

"Then sit somewhere else," she snapped.

Adam raised his eyebrows. "Come again?"

Genna stayed silent and sipped her drink.

Pointing his own utensil at her, Adam spoke in a quiet, yet firm, voice. "Pick up that fork, and eat your dinner."

Genna pursed her lips as she set her glass down. She picked up her fork, used one prong to spear a single pea and with her eyes fixed on him, she ate it. "There. Happy?"

Letting out a humorless chuckle, Adam shook his head. "No, and you won't be neither if you keep this up."

With a loud clang, Genna dropped her fork on her plate. "Oh my god, why are you always bitching at me? Is there anything I can do right according to you?"

"Yep," Adam clipped as he abruptly stood from his chair. "You sass me just right to get your ass tore up."

He began to round the table, but before he could reach her, Genna jumped up out of her own chair and scrambled to the opposite side.