started with a lie ➳ raura revised

Chapter Nine

During the night, Tessa and I devise a plan to make everything work. Iagreed to Ross's request and hung up shortly after—only because he saidplease, is what I tell myself. Our plan is that in the morning, Mom will takeher car to her gallery in New York and I will take mine to where Ross is. I'llavoid Mom in New York City and come back before she even gets home.Everything will be fine. 

Though, the plan has no meaning in the morning. 

"Laura, honey, I'm taking your car! My car won't start up. Stupidfreezing weather's causing my engine to freeze," Mom mutters in themorning as Tessa and I come out for breakfast. 

No, no, no, no, I think. I need that car! 

"Mom, can't you just, uh, ask one of your artist friends to come pickyou up?" I suggest, trying to hide my motive. "I mean, tons of artists aregoing. Why can't you go with them?"

 "I don't want to bother them," she says, waving me off. "Okay, don'thave too much fun when I'm gone. Love you, bye."

 I'm panicking on the inside as Mom finishes her toast and hops into mycar. I barely have a chance to protest before she's driving off. My chance isgone. How will I get to Lee in time now? 

"What do I do now?" I ask Tessa, sitting in the living room with myhead in my hands. "I won't make it and I'll be forever indebt to stupid Ross." 

Tessa strokes my hair. "We'll think of something." How could I letMom get away? I should've stopped her. Several moments pass by. "I gotit!" 

She's always the one with the great ideas and plans. 

Hope tugs at me. "What is it?" Tessa gets up and runs to mybedroom. She's gone for a couple of seconds before returning with myphone in her hand. 

Sitting down, she places it in my hand."You need to call him," she says. "Maybe, you can ask him for help.Maybe, he can drive you. It's the only way. 

I can't drive you—I'm groundeduntil summer for going to Cody's party. Ross's the only way.""No, no!" I say immediately. "I am most definitely not asking Ross foranother request so I can add ten more years to my debt to him." There'sthe pride thing kicking in again. 

"You have to." Tessa pushes the phone closer to my hands. "If youdon't, you'll make Ross look like a fool in front of his business partners andthen he'll hate you and you'll still be indebt to him. Wouldn't this be evenworse than creating another debt? I mean, it's not even a big deal! You justneed a ride." 

I hate to admit it... but she's right. 

"Are you sure about this?" I gulp and take the phone in my hand.Tessa nods. I punch in Ross's number and he picks up on the third ring."Hey, Ross." 

"Mr. Lynch," he corrects. "Its Mr. Ross Lynch to you. Why areyou calling me? Is there a problem?" Ross sounds fairly concerned. 

"Ross—Mr. Lynch," I correct, "there's a tiny problem." I hear himgroan on the other side of the phone. "It's not that big! I promise. I justneed a ride. My mom took my car and now I can't get there." 

"Couldn't you ask your friends or something?"

 "No, they're busy. Besides, it's not like they'd have the time to driveme to New York City and back. That's too much trouble. Can you give me alift?"

 After few moments pass, he finally says, "Fine. Be ready in an hour orsomething, I'll come. Now, don't call me again unless it's an emergency."After that, he hangs up the phone. 

I smile and turn to Tessa. "He said yes! Now, I just have to pack upfor the trip." For the next hour, Tessa helps me pack clothes, bathroomsupplies, shoes, money, and anything else I need for the birthday bash. Ieven throw in a couple of dresses just in case. My suitcase is full and I havejust enough time to get myself ready. I put my hair in a ponytail and just throwon a long-sleeved white sweater, black leggings, and cozy boots.