Tainted Perfection [bxb]

Chapter 21 - Kinda

Music - Fake Happy by Paramore

•••

Tony

I stretched my limbs as soon as I hopped out of the cab. It was already half past eleven when I arrived from work. I still hadn't had time to know most of my co-workers yet they all chipped in on throwing me a little surprised party. It felt nice and it made me feel welcome. Even Adam, who I expected to be unamused with me leaving my work so early, seemed equally supportive. ROY G'BIV had better dancers anyway compared to me who was all looks and had wooden hips.

I had finally resigned from the club after saving up enough so I could spend the remaining days with my sister before leaving for New York.

When I reached the apartment, Joanne and Chris were at the dining table drinking tea. "I invited him over," Joanne said before I could even ask. "I n-needed some assistance."

"Long time no see, Chris" I acknowledged Chris' presence and he nodded. "How's it going?"

"I'm doin' great, man," He replied and sipped on his tea. "School's been eating me up alive but it's all good."

"We really should've had a landline a long time ago. It's really handy," Joanne stirred her drink and stood up to get to the fridge. "I'm m-making a dress that I'm gonna wear this Saturday at the charity ball. Hol's dad sent me an invitation a-after Hol showed him the gown I m-ma-made."

"At least that's the kind of party I approve of," I said. We decided to finally get a landline so I would be able to call Joanne outside the state. I almost missed the opportunity of getting cast because we didn't have any means of communication and it was only reasonable to get one in this day and age. "It's already late, Chris how are you getting home?"

Chris stirred in his seat nervously. "Uhm soon, after this practice question," he pointed to the book in front of them.

I sighed, thinking to myself if I could trust him with Joanne. I had no one else to ask for help, and while we had grandparents, they already made it clear they didn't want to do anything with us anymore. Had they been, I definitely wouldn't have ended up streetwalking or dancing for money. Chris was my bet right now.

"Chris, are you serious about Jo?" I asked causing him to choke on his tea.

"Jesus, here we g-go again," Joanne rolled her eyes and facepalmed, not wanting to further hear the conversation.

He looked at my sister and smiled before he returned his gaze on me. "Yeah, of course."

"I know I might be asking too much, but is it alright if you can come pick up Jo from work and drive her home while I'm gone?" I asked earning a scoff from Joanne and she sent me a disapproving look. "I'll take care of your gas allowance."

He faced my sister and nodded with a small smile. "That sounds like a great plan."

"T, he d-doesn't have to," Joanne held Chris' hand on the table as she looked at me. "I can always take a cab."

I shook my head and shot a glance at Chris. "It's really late, check in with your parents and take the couch. It's dangerous out there." I added as my sister groaned in annoyance. "No one's getting pregnant on my watch."