The Ride of My Life (an Ansel Elgort story)

Chapter 36

Lucy's POV

A few days after 4th of July, my mom calls me downstairs.

"Yes, mom?"

"I don't know if you noticed, but the neighbors moved out, and now some new ones just moved in a couple days ago! They have a four-year old daughter that needs a babysitter! I thought since you don't have a job, you could use this as an opportunity to make some money!" She sounds excited the whole time she's saying this. Probably just another way to get me out of the house.

"Sweet. Is that all you needed?"

"Well, I told the mother that we'd be over in a little bit to meet the whole family." And with that, I'm dragged over to the next door neighbors' house.

My mom knocks on the door and a middle-aged man opens it.

"Hello! Come in!" He welcomes us with a big smile and a lot of enthusiasm. "Honey, the neighbors are here!"

"Hi, I'm Debbie. This is my daughter, Lucy. My husband and sons aren't home at the moment, so you'll have to meet them another time." We all exchange handshakes and smiles. Their names are Rachel and Steven.

"Lillian! Josh! Come here!" Rachel shouts, summoning her kids. I thought they only had one kid, but I guess my mom was misinformed.

A little girl comes running from a doorway and stops to hide behind Steven's legs. Lillian, I'm guessing.

I bend down to her height. "Hi, I'm Lucy." I smile and offer her my palm. She gives me a high-five.

From the corner of my eye I see someone coming towards us, so I stand up and look.

Standing beside Steven is a tall, thin, handsome young man. He's wearing a black plaid shirt with perfect fitting jeans. He has light brown hair. His blue eyes stand out more than anything.

What am I thinking? Admiring another guy like this? I have a boyfriend.

"Hello!" My mom says, breaking me out of my daze. "You must be Josh?"

"Yes, ma'am." He answers.

"Josh, this is Debbie Taylor. And her daughter, Lucy." Rachel explains.

I smile in a way as if I was saying hello, and he nods his head.

"So, Lucy, would you be interested in babysitting our sweet Lillian?" Steven asks.

"Yeah, but why do you need a babysitter if you have him?" I nod to Josh, because it doesn't make sense.

"Well," Josh chimes in, "I work during the days, so I can't watch her. But believe me, I would if I could. Lilly is a great kid." He has a small southern accent.

"Oh. Okay. Well, yeah. I can babysit whenever you need." I smile. I definitely need some extra cash.

"Great!" Rachel exclaims.

"So, since we want to welcome you into the neighborhood, I'd love to have you all over for dinner tonight!" My mom loves having guests so she can brag about all of Brandon's achievements.

"That sounds lovely!" Steven says.

"One thing you should know is my mom here is a great cook! And baker!" I try to sound cheery and friendly for my mom's sake. After all, I am representing the whole family right now.

But, behind all this pep, I only have one thing on my mind: Ansel.

I turn my head and see Josh, he's looking at me but he quickly looks away. Oh boy.

"Mom," I unintentionally interrupt. "I totally forgot but I have plans in a little bit so I have to go home. It was nice to meet y'all! See you tonight!" I quickly go out the door and run across the lawn back to my house.