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The stubborn tears don’t listen to me. They continue coating my cheeks, and I press my palm to my chest trying to calm my breathing. Stupid emotional rollercoaster.
I’ve been so happy with all the good things, like Edward’s progress, feeling like we’ve finally found a community where we have friends and where we can make a home. Seeing Edward sitting tall and proud on the back of that beautiful horse.
Then Gran tells me my dad’s snooping around, asking about us, then I act like I have some masochistic death wish by kissing Zane Bradford.
He fooled me with all that talk about my brother and acceptance and not punching down. He turned my head, sharinghis favorite books and being all funny and sweet. Why the hell did I tell him I’d never kissed anyone?
“Real smart, Rach.” I turn on the cold water, patting it on my hot cheeks.
I got exactly what I wanted.
I wanted him to kiss me, and like the fairytale-believing, hopeless romantic I am, I thought it would change things between us. When has my life ever been a fairytale?
Did I really think he was going to change? Did I think he was going to fall in love with me?
My throat tightens, and I jerk out my phone, tapping the icon for the rideshare app. I know one thing, I’m not riding back to the house with him today.
Searching for an excuse, I check myself in the mirror. My nose is red and my eyes are swollen, and for once, I’m thankful Miss Gina is blind and Edward doesn’t care what I look like.
I scoop a handful of water to drink, clearing my throat before opening the door and going to where they’re standing outside. Edward is holding a kitten, and she’s petting it slowly.
“He’s solid black, which is rare.” Edward’s voice is matter of fact as always. “Black cats typically have some markings.”
“What color are his eyes?”
“Yellow.”
“Oh!” She puts her hand on her chest. “He sounds gorgeous!”
“Hi, guys.” My voice wavers, and I clear it again quickly. “I need to duck out a little early today if that’s okay?”
Miss Gina turns to me. “Are you okay?”
“Yes!” I force a smile, taking her cool hand. “It’s just that Dylan’s been working every evening on the Christmas program, and I’ve got to talk to her about school stuff. We really can’t let another day go by.”
“Ah.” Miss Gina’s lips tighten, and she nods. “Of course.”
I can tell she’s not quite sure I’m telling the whole truth, but I can’t worry about that now. I’m more worried I’m goingto bump into Zane before I can get out of here, and I willnotlet him see I’ve been crying.
“Edward, will you be okay riding back in the Jeep like always?” I don’t even want to say his name.
He shrugs. “Sure.”
“See you tomorrow.” I step forward to give the old woman a squeeze, then wave at my brother. “See you later.”
A noise comes from the greenhouse, and I skip a jump at the first sight of his dark head emerging from the glass door.
Our eyes meet, but I turn away fast, dashing to the side gate and down the stone steps to the street where a white car is just pulling up.
“How isit possible I never see you these days?” Dylan pulls me into a hug. “You live in my house!”
We’re in the kitchen at Cooters & Shooters, and Thomas is taking out the ingredients for his famous burgers. Craig is in the dining room restocking the condiments for the dinner crowd, and Allie has Kimmie following her around carrying utensil rolls.
I stopped off at the house to fix my makeup and put some powder on my nose before jogging down here. The last thing I need is everyone asking why I’m crying—because I’mnotcrying.
If life has taught me anything, it’s how to dust myself off and get back on my feet. I’ve been taking care of Edward and me for a long time, and I’m getting my head out of the clouds and focusing on what’s important—getting Edward in school and keeping my dad out of our lives.
I return her hug. “We’re like ships passing in the night.”
