Heaven Sent (Paddle Creek College Book 1) by HJ Welch

Author:HJ Welch [Welch, HJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-12T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

GABE

“Okay, Mama,” I say, doing my best not to sound like I’m trying to get off the phone. “I better go. I have to do some reading before class.”

I’m walking through campus, feeling like everything looks particularly beautiful today. The people, the buildings, the trees. I’ve got a spring in my step and a grin on my face. In fact, I’m like Hermes, the messenger of the gods. I’ve got wings on my feet, and nothing’s going to stop me from getting where I’m going.

My mother is trying her best to dampen my mood, though. “Always with your nose in a book now,” she tuts. “It’s not good for you. How is that going to help you run a restaurant?”

A sharp stab of fear and anxiety pierces through me, but I do my best to shake it off and force myself to smile. She can’t see it, but it makes me feel better.

The idea of running that place until my parents pass away and I can sell it fills me with the kind of dread I can’t adequately put into words. I have mad respect for them for living their dream and making such a success of it. But to me, it’s going to be a prison sentence.

Hopefully, that’s years away. I can’t do anything about it at the moment, so I make that smile bigger and laugh. “It’s math, Mama” I lie. I hate math, but I’m planning on taking some basic accounting and business management courses before I return home, so I’ll know something. Not now, though.

For now, I can live in ancient Greece, at least in my mind. Especially because I have my very own Gods to worship me.

And yeah, okay. I know it’s the mortals who are supposed to worship the gods, but I don’t think that’s going to come up in either Daddy or Papa’s upcoming tests, so I’m happy to keep going with the slightly wonky metaphor.

So…so happy.

“Oh,” Mama says, sounding mollified at my fib. “That’s good, chico. You’re a smart boy. I know you won’t let your family down.”

“Love you, Mama. Bye,” I say, sidestepping her comment. There are so many ways in which I can let her down. She just doesn’t know it yet.

She wishes me well and hangs up the phone. I chew my lip as I crunch over the path, my thoughts spiraling as I think about the fate that lies before me. Ever since I was a boy, my parents have pressed upon me how one day I’ll inherit their beloved restaurant. I waited tables there all throughout high school, struggling to keep up with my homework but still getting my scholarship despite the odds.

It didn’t occur to me until I came to Paddle Creek and got away from the daily grind if I even wanted to work there once I graduate, let alone if I wanted to run it. I shiver as the thought literally makes my blood run cold.

I thrive best when I’m left to my own devices.

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