Don't Bet on It

Chapter 2

Dad and Laura took us out for lunch at some place that charges seventeen billion dollars for portions the size of my thumbnail. After getting some odd looks from people in the restaurant, I almost wished I had dressed nicer. Almost.

We ordered, and then Dad launched into Laura's life story, starting with the day she was conceived and quite probably ending with what she did two seconds ago. After the waiter brought our food, I glimpsed Emma take out her phone, and then mine buzzed. I opened up a text from her: Excuse me, I ordered the smoked salmon appetizer, but - *holds glasses up to eyes* - I can't see it, I can't see it!

I ineffectively tried to stifle the stream of giggles that followed the beloved Phoebe Buffay quote.

Dad stopped mid-sentence and gave me a cold look. "Is there something funny, Jessica?" He asked, practically spitting out my given name.

I looked back at him evenly. "I don't know, is there?"

Dad glared at me before continuing ranting to a very uninterested- looking Mom.

Emma gave me a secret smile.

Just then the door opened and in walked Eric Phillips, the most popular boy in my grade at school. As the hostess led him and his party past our table, he caught sight of me and winked. I smiled back.

Let's be clear: in case you've gotten any ideas, I don't like the kid. Not that way, at least. Sure, we hang out sometimes, but that's only because we share a mutual friend. Daniel Richardson is my second cousin, but he's more of an older-brother figure and one of my best friends. He and Eric have been friends since practically the moment they saw each other.

As popular as Eric is, I've picked up that he doesn't cope well with large crowds. He usually just hangs out with Daniel, Deena, and me, and occasionally a few other people. Do I find it somewhat flattering that I'm in his small group of chosen friends? A little, I guess. But I also know that it's only because I'm friends with Daniel.

Dad stopped again and looked in Eric's direction. "Friend of yours?"

I nodded. "Yes, Father, I have friends from both sexes."

Emma burst into a fit of laughter.

Yes, we both have weird senses of humor.

Dad rolled his eyes. "Well, I think we're about done here. Why don't I pay the check?"

Mom nodded and got up. "See you around, Steven."

We followed her lead.

As we were walking away, Dad called out to us. "We should settle custody sometime soon."

Mom gave him a fake smile and nodded. "Yeah, sure."

Custody? Please kill me now.