Page 24 of Wicked Love

“Then let’s get lost.”

The engine roared to life, and I relaxed in my seat, feeling free for the very first time in my entire existence.

7

JOE

Grace snored softly next to me. We’d been on the road for a little over four hours, and she lost the fight two hours in, her body surrendering to sleep after all the tears she cried. My dad had been blowing up my phone for almost the entire time. At one point, I texted him back that I wasn’t in the mood to talk and Grace was fine and we’d chat later. Said I was sorry for bailing on them and that something came up and I had to take care of it.

My gaze lingered on her profile, lit only by the streetlights lining the interstate. Still wearing my suit jacket over what remained of her gown, she seemed at peace. And as beautiful as the first time I saw her. And more forbidden than the second time we crossed paths. Now linked by the ties of matrimony.

My fingers itched to push the loose strands of her hair back.

To trace the length of her lips.

To hug her until the pain that had etched her features earlier vanished forever.

Five weeks ago, I had fallen under the charm of my stepsister. Younger stepsister. Nobody could ever extract that piece of information from me. Even under the threat of torture. This was one of those secrets better left buried.

She stirred in her sleep, and soon her eyelids fluttered open.

“Hey, you. Hungry?”

She bobbed her head, looking like a little girl with her big doe eyes and pouty lips.

I turned in my seat to grab the bag of food from the backseat and handed it to her. “Here. It’s not fancy, but it should do the job.”

She rummaged through the paper bag for the two burgers I picked up at the takeout ten minutes ago.

“You ate anything?” she asked, her voice strained from all the tears she cried.

“Just had a snack. Was waiting for you to wake up.”

Grace unwrapped a burger and placed it in my hand before opening the second one.

“Thanks. For the food.” She devoured hers in no time as if she’d been starving for months. In a sense, I bet she was.

“Will you tell me what your mother said that made you want to run away?”

She shrugged, the sleep not yet erased from her features. “Got mad about the dress. Spilled a load of bullshit on me. Said I was trying to steal her thunder and that she was ashamed of me. The usual. The accusations just weighed too heavy this time, you know? Like nothing I do is ever good enough. This gown,” she pointed to herself, “looks amazing. I know I did a great job. Yet she had to insult me and say I ruined the dress she’d bought two sizes too small.”

“It’s on her. She made you feel bad about yourself. She’s the one who should be ashamed of herself.”

She nibbled on a piece of fry. “I’m used to it. My armor cracked this time. I’m done feeling unimportant. I’m going after my freedom. I wanna be happy, and I don’t recall the last time I truly was or when I laughed my heart out.” She cast a quick glance in my direction. “Except for the one night in a bar, but even that doesn’t count anymore.”

“Well, when you were sleeping, I called Andy, you know my friend who played at the wedding. I had to explain why I ditched him without a warning. He told me your mother got into a crying fit when she realized we were gone. My dad comforted her and convinced her to give us some slack and to enjoy their night. Then I talked to my father. He knows we’re together and we’re both safe and sound.” I paused. “And there’s something else. The theatre I played at on Broadway has been flooded. The show is on a hiatus and should resume in January. I learned it last night but didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in Silverville or not. I need a vacation. To clear my head and just let go for a while. Whatever you wanna do, I’m all yours. Until further notice.”

“You didn’t have to come along but thank you. I feel better knowing you’re here with me. We’ll make your time worth it.”

“What about school?” I asked.

“I can do remote learning. If you justify my absence, they won’t mind. After all, we’re related now, and you’re over twenty-one.”

“I’ll deal with it. Only if you promise you won’t get behind.”

“I’ll do my best, Joe. Just don’t take me back there. I can’t deal with my mother; she overstepped this time and said horrible stuff…”

I squeezed her hand. “I won’t. So, here are our options. We drive until we reach Florida. It may take a few days. We could go to California, but it’s a bit of a stretch. My cousin Mason, who was at the wedding, lives in North Carolina. We could also go there. I heard there is a winter festival in Georgia but not sure when it starts exactly. We could look it up in the morning.”