Page 104 of Trailer Trash

“I know how you feel,” Charlotte whispers. “I’m in love with a guy, too. It was a disaster.”

I perk up. Finally, someone who understands.

Keysha snorts, causing her braids to fall forward. “For real, Charlotte. Is the guy you love a crackhead?”

“Killian isn’t a crackhead,” I defend.

“Oh, sorry. Cokehead. So much better.”

I roll my eyes, but smile weakly. “He’s been sober for six months. What if he doesn’t turn out like Evan?”

“He will. Once an addict, always an addict. That’s why I left Brax. I didn’t want to deal with his mood swings.” She looks at Charlotte. “Sorry, I don’t mean to talk shit about your brother.”

“It’s fine. He’s a jerk.”

Keysha nods. “Plus, I’m fairly sure he was cheating on me. Was he?”

Charlotte winces. “I really wouldn’t know. I didn’t even know Brax was dealing drugs until the cops showed up and arrested him.”

Keysha points at me like a strict but caring mother. “See. The drug scene is nothing but losers. Stay away, girl.”

I don’t argue. She’s right.

She holds up her phone. “Charlotte, your little brother keeps texting me. Tell him to stop. He’s crushing.”

“Atticus?” she says, astonished.

“Yeah, but he’s too young for me. I don’t think I could date another one of your brothers, either.”

“Right. He’s a lot nicer, though.”

“That’s still five-years younger than me. He’s super sweet, though. He says good morning and goodnight over text every day.”

Charlotte and I swoon, but then frown.

“Killian doesn’t do that,” I say glumly.

“Grayson would never,” Charlotte mumbles. “I bared my soul to him. We had sex and... never mind.” Her chin trembles.

All of a sudden, she cries.

Hysterically.

“Sorry, I’m emotional!” Charlotte wails.

“Oh, my gosh.” I glance at Keysha, looking for help with her friend.

She returns a subtle smile, like it isn’t a big deal. Then she rubs Charlotte’s shoulder and clutches her jaw, her fingers dark against Charlotte’s pale and flushed face.

“Pay attention, you softy. You dodged a bullet. Grayson is trouble. So is Killian. You both need new men.”

We stare at Keysha, then blurt in unison: “But I love him.”

“Oh, Lord.”

“Hey,” says a deep voice.

We spin in that direction.