“For eating tacos with a teenager?” she said, before taking a sip of her soda.
“Look, I do what I want,” she said. “My dad…we have a strange relationship. My mom lives in Cali.”
“Cali…California?” Nathanial asked.
“Yup.” She wiped her mouth and held onto the napkin, observing him. “I’m going to see her next week, soon as I help my dad catch up on things at the motel.” She lowered her voice and shook her head. “I’m so tired of working there.” She waited a minute and then she asked. “You’re welcome to come with me to California, or you could just hang out at The Golden Key forever.”
“Are those my only options?” he said, almost smiling.