You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirty Five: Summer

To say Phillip is wonderful is an understatement. He is attentive, caring, understanding, and somehow always knows how to make me laugh. By July, he's become a regular fixture in my life. We go on plenty of dates, sometimes with Mark and Sam, sometimes just the two of us.

Sam is awesome. If she's not at my house, then I'm at hers. My Boys fell in love with her almost immediately. The jury is still out on Phillip, but I'm trying to give them time. They've always been protective of me, and I know earning their approval isn't going to happen overnight.

I got my driver's permit in June, and my parents surprised me with a used Jetta. I loooovvve my car. It's steel gray and the perfect size for me to handle. Mom makes me drive everywhere now. Her theory is simple—the more experience I get behind the wheel, the better I'll be when I'm finally on my own.

Phillip has even driven my car out to Tucker a few times, patiently teaching me how to park. He's calm about it, even when I climb a curb.

The Boys can't wait until I get my license. They've already started making lists of all the places "Tia will take me." For now, Sam gets that honor. Her little car only fits Gary and Jake, so everyone else is out of luck.

Today she's picking us up for a trip to the mall. Apparently the boys are planning some huge mystery date night, and we all need something nice to wear. Jake and Gary are tagging along just to get out of the Home for a few hours. Phillip and Mark are meeting us there after basketball practice.

I toss my phone into my purse just as it vibrates.

A year, Tia. The City isn't the same since you stopped visiting. —T

I smile.

Not won't. Can't. Too much basketball. —Tia

How's the boyfriend? Steve says he's keeping you busy. —T

Before I can answer, Sam honks outside.

"Mom! Sam's here!" I yell.

She meets me in the kitchen, hands me her debit card, and kisses my forehead.

"Have fun."

"I will."

Mom has taken a real liking to Phillip. She knows bits and pieces about tonight's mystery date and has been smiling ever since he called Dad to ask permission.

I glance back at my phone.

Life's busy. Made Varsity. Lots of practice. —Tia

Outside, I climb into Sam's passenger seat.

"Sorry," I laugh. "Mom was giving me spending money."

"My mom held me hostage for twenty minutes trying to figure out this mystery date." Sam pulls away from the curb. "Did Jim crack?"

"Nope. Only that he's taking Tina. Dan and Brandon have dates too. Phillip started this whole thing in the locker room, and now none of them want to be left out."

My phone buzzes again.

She's good. Had a pregnancy scare, but it was nothing. —T

I shake my head.

Typical Torri.

Condoms are your best friend. Learn that, City Boy. Gotta run. Miss you too. —Tia

I slide my phone back into my purse.

Some friendships don't disappear just because life gets busy.

Sam follows my directions through the Boys Home campus.