“How’d it go?” Jodie’s voice rolled in gently like seafoam on the shore, her characteristic sharp edges absent.
“He’s pissed.” Mitch closed his eyes and braced himself for his friend’s usual tirade, about what an asshole Calvin was and how he had no right to be angry after this and that and the other thing, and blah blah blah. Instead, she touched his good arm.
“Hey, let’s get going,” She suggested, lightly tugging the loose hoodie sleeve.
“Alright.” Putting up no resistance, he allowed her to guide him away; though in the moment, he hoped that spot of Earth would swallow him whole.
“So,” Jodie started once they were in her car, then paused to adjust the radio dial. “I let everyone know that you’re not dead. I also let ’em know to not bother you right now.”
“Thanks.” Resting his head against the passenger side window, Mitch watched the streetlights pass by. “I really appreciate this, Jodie. You know that, right?”
“Don’t mention it.” She took a final drag from her cigarette before flicking the butt onto the road. “You hungry? We can’t exactly do Denny’s since you’re half naked. I think Taco Bell’s drive thru still open?”
He yawned, then shook his head. “Nah. At this point, I just wanna sleep.”
“Sure.”
Aside from whatever alt rock played on the radio, silence hung heavy for rest of the ride. Something else loitered between them, nameless and unpleasant as it wound his guts into a tight coil, and his suspicion of its existence was confirmed when they finally pulled into Jodie’s driveway. She killed the engine, inhaled sharply, and her hands grasped at the air. “I just…can I say something?”
Mitch grimaced. “I guess.”
“You’re all fucked up and Calvin like, doesn’t care. Am I wrong?”
“It’s not that he doesn’t care-”
“Bro.” She placed her forehead against the steering wheel, clearly perturbed and about to hit a wall. “Goddammit, you’re so stupid. Lemme ask: did he even offer to come get you? Did he figure out a way for you to get home?”
“Well, no. But. It’s super late, Jodie. I kinda got myself into this, and he’s has work super early. I told him that you offered me a place to stay, and I’m sure we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Mitch’s voice cracked a little, and he rubbed his eyes. “Can we not do this right now? Please?”
“Fine. Fine.” Raising her hands in surrender, she forfeit the argument with a small smile. “I’m just worried, dude.”
“I know.” His smile matched hers in uncertainty. Without another word, Jodie exited her side of the car, and moments later opened the passenger door. After she helped Mitch out of his seat, he pulled her into a sidehug. “Thank you,” he murmured with his nose buried in her hair.
“No worries.” She affirmatively patted his back in exchange. The conversation was far from over, he knew that, but he’d at least bought himself a few hours of contemplation.