Chasing Astrid Malone

37. TIME MACHINE

Astrid

I put away dinner and flopped down on the couch next to Tristan. He had turned the TV on and was sitting there waiting for me. "Have you decided on a college yet? Decision day is coming up fast." Ugh, the last thing I want to think about right now.

"I was thinking about Boston, but im not sure yet." His eyebrows shot up in a stupid excited grin. I pulled the pillow out from behind me and lightly hit him with it. That's what he gets for being smug. "Don't get too excited. I haven't made up my mind yet."

"I have an idea. Are you busy this weekend?" Tristan's half-grin looked mischievous, and I wasn't sure where he was going with this. I have school in the morning and had planned ABC girl time, but Carly can C her way out of my plans for now. "Not really. I might still have sleep-over plans with Brenda."

"Cancel the sleepover and come with me to Boston to tour the school. We can stay the night at my place there and check out the city. Fly back Sunday in time for school." He pulled out his phone and started frantically typing. Wow, It's so last minute. Mom could never afford the plane tickets, but I have a feeling his invite includes the tickets. What the hell, even if I decide not to go to school there, it would be a lot of fun to see the city.

"I'd have to ask my mom. I wouldn't mind being as far away from Molly and whoever those guys are for a while." He held out his phone to me, showing me the tickets he just found. Two tickets for a flight leaving Friday night and coming home Sunday afternoon. I couldn't see the price of them, but im sure it's a small fortune. Excitement mixed with nervousness filled my belly at the thought of going away with Tristan for the weekend.

"I'm pretty sure your mom will be ok with you going to tour a college." I pulled out my phone, not sure what to do first; call Mom or text Brenda. "You'll get to see the condo we'll be in, and we can go out to eat for every meal trying out different places." I was surprisingly accepting of knowing he would buy the tickets, but the idea of him spending money on me all weekend would make me feel guilty.

"Tristan, I can't afford to do all that." Before he could argue it with me, my mom unlocked the door and pushed it open. I could tell she wasn't in a great mood. Maybe now wasn't the best time to ask. I can only guess Josh gave her a hard time and didn't want her to stick around.

"Oh Tristan, your still here? It's getting pretty late. It would be best if you got going. Astrid has school in the morning." He moved himself to the other end of the couch when she was coming in. I decided to text Brenda now before he leaves.

Me: Hey, B. I know we had sleepover plans this weekend but is it cool if I rain check? Tristan wants to take me to Boston for the weekend!

"I was just trying to convince Astrid to come with me this weekend to tour colleges in Boston." So much for not telling her now. Maybe Tristan didn't pick up on her mood the way I did. I guess if he's going to buy last-minute tickets for tomorrow night, he needed to ask right away.

Mom's face perked right up. "Oh, Sweetheart, that's a great idea! Maybe if you see it for yourself, it will help you decide. I can chip in for gas money. Will you be home in time for school Monday, though?" She's either going to love the idea of Tristan being able to fly us both out or be put off by all the time we will have together, not in a car for the weekend.

"No worries, Mrs. Malone, I have air miles saved up and offered to get plane tickets. I'll have her home Sunday night." Tristan was wise to put actual space between us before approaching the subject. She looked impressed. Is my Mom a straight-up gold digger, and I never noticed? "Well, it sounds like you have it all worked out. Im sure you'll take good care of my girl. Send me the flight itinerary, and ill get some money together tomorrow for Astrid to take with her."