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“Do I need to go in and kick someone’s ass?” Eraser turns and lifts an eyebrow. Under his bushy beard he’s really a big teddy bear. Well, to me, anyway. If he turns that scowl loose on my classmates, someone will end up peeing their pants. “I’ll do it. Say the word.”
I aim a pointed look at Ella. “Really? You couldn’t come alone?”
“What?” Her eyes widen, and she flicks an amused glance at her husband. “He knows everything anyway.”
Eraser glances in the rearview mirror at me. “Seriously, Molly. You okay?”
“I’m fine. I just thought it was going to be a smaller party.” Knowing he’ll report everything I say to my brother, I don’t want to share too many details. “Some of the guys were drunk. I don’t need puke on my favorite Doc Martens.”
Ella chuckles.
“Thanks for coming to get me.”
“Not a problem,” Eraser says.
I cross my arms over my chest and stare out the window. With each passing street, the houses go from newer, modern styles with tiny, postage-stamp-size yards to older homes with more grass and fewer fences.
Eraser stops the car in front of my old but inviting house, the yellow porch light casting a warm glow over the front steps. “You want us to stick around?”
Oh, how I wish I could say yes. The thought of being alone in our creaky old house is so unappealing. But I can’t ask them to stick around just because I’m a big chicken. “I’m too old for babysitters.” I reach my hand forward and pat his shoulder. “But thank you for the ride. I appreciate it.”
As I open the back door, Ella’s door flings open. She bumps her shoulder into me as we head up the sidewalk.
“Sure you’re all right?” she asks. “I can stick around.”
“I’m okay.” I glance at the car. “I didn’t mean to screw up your night.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She waves off my apology with a flick of her wrist. “We were closing Zips. No biggie.”
“How’d it go tonight?” I ask. “Win any money?” Ella’s tiny and dresses like Tinker Bell in her emo era. Guys who come to Zips to race look at her and assume she doesn’t know how to drive. But she’s a fearless competitor who ends up emptying wallets frequently.
“You know I did.” Her lips slide into a confident smirk.
“Wish I’d gone there instead,” I grumble like a cranky toddler.
She squeezes my arm. “Did you talk to Hayden?”
“I saw her before I left.” I leave out the part about my drunk bestie rolling around on the laundry room floor. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“All right. If you need something, call.” She reaches for me and pulls me in for a hug. “Sorry tonight was a drag.”
“Eh.” I squeeze her tight. “Thanks.”
I lean against the door frame and watch as she slides into the passenger seat. Eraser won’t drive away until I go inside, so I shut the door behind me and throw the deadbolt. The throaty rumble of Eraser’s SUV intensifies, then slowly fades. I flick the porch light off and the hall lights on.
And then I’m all alone.
I escaped the party. Wesley’s drunk at Hayden’s, probably annoying some other girl now. I’m safe here.
So why did all those unsettling feelings from the party follow me home?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Molly
I’m too old to be scared when I’m home alone.
If I keep repeating it, maybe I’ll believe it.
