Wicked Indulgence: A Wicked Innocence Novella by Missy Johnson Page B

expression.
    I laugh. He likened writing for a school paper to stripping to a fucking fifteen -year-old?
    “Forget about him and do what you wanna do,” I tell her.
    “Yeah, because that’s worked so well for you,” she cracks. “It’s different for me, Sax. I want to go to college and I need their help for that.”
    “But what’s the point when you’re studying for a lifetime of something you don’t want?” I ask, frustrated by my father’s narrow-mindedness.
    “Because I can squeeze in classes that are what I want,” Stace says, a grin spreading across her lips. “I can be sneaky when I need to be. I’ll be fine. Trust me.”
    “I know you will, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying about you,” I grumble, giving her a rare peek at my vulnerable side.
    She gets up and walks over to me. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she sighs. “I know you love me, Sax, and I love that you’re not afraid to show me that. You’re the only one in this family with any balls.”
    I chuckle at her use of words as she pulls away from me.
    “Are you doing anything tonight?” she asks, pushing her long hair over her shoulder. “I’m going out. Dad will probably be back soon.”
    “Is that your subtle way of saying I should go out somewhere?” I tease.
    “It’s my subtle way of saying if you don’t, you’ll wish you had.” she grins, poking out her tongue.
     
    I take Stace’s advice and go out with the guys. It’s just another party with loads of girls and free alcohol. As much as I enjoy letting loose, I am tiring of the same old thing. I’m desperate for something to happen. Something new. Something to take my mind off my mess of a life. Regardless, I spend a good part of an hour downing drink after drink.
     
    “’Sup with you?” Max asks, slumping down on the ground next to me. We’re sitting outside on the deck of a huge house owned by a guy who is the friend of a friend of a friend of Max’s cousin.
    “Just not really in the mood, I guess.”  I shrug and finish the rest of my drink, discarding the can beside me.
    Max laughs, his expression one of disbelief. “Dude, you’re fucking kidding me,” he says, looking around. “There is so much choice here tonight. I’ve already made out with a handful of chicks. God, I love being a rock god.”
    “Yeah, well I might leave you to service the rest of them,” I chuckle, getting to my feet. I’ve had enough.
    “You’re leaving already?” Max asks, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You need to unwind, Sax. Here.” He pushes his drink into my hands.
    I laugh and hand it back to him. “I’ve had enough to drink to know I’m just not up for this tonight.” I shove my hands in my pockets and shrug. “No drama, I’m sure I’ll be back on form tomorrow. I’ll see you later, okay?”
    ****
    The walk home only takes about ten minutes, and I’m glad I’ve had the time to sober up a little when I see Dad’s car in the driveway. The light shining through the living room window tells me he’s still up. I contemplate turning around and walking the streets until he goes to bed, but I decide to just get it over with. The argument is imminent—whether it happens now, tomorrow, or next week just depends on how long I avoid him. Taking a deep breath, I stomp up to the front door and let myself in.
    I follow the faint sound of the television into the living room. Dad looks up from where he’s seated on the sofa. A hint of annoyance settles on his face when he realizes it’s me.
    “You’re home,” he mutters, turning his attention back to the TV.
    I haven’t seen him in over two weeks and that’s all I get. I laugh and shake my head. “Nice to see you too, Dad.”
    “What do you want from me, Sax?” he sighs. “I told you before you left on your silly little road trip that this was the last time. I refuse to stand back and watch you fuck up your life.”
    “So that’s it?” I laugh. “You just cut me out? Pretend I’m not part of the