With a trembling grin, she took the bread and bit into it, keeping her eyes on her plate.
Mrs. Kingston drew in a sharp breath, then sipped her glass of wine, pointedly ignoring everyone at the table.
Terri’s chewing slowed. She lowered the roll to the plate, but I slipped my palm under the table and gave the top of her free hand a pat.
Her stare met mine, and I could almost hear her saying a silentthank you. Then, she took another bite, this one bigger than the last.
Realizing I still held her hand, I hastily withdrew and focused on my own plate, fighting a tiny smirk.
A connection had formed between us, and I grasped at it like a lifeline, suddenly not quite as alone in this big empty world.
Circumstances might try to roll over me, but just because I was young didn’t mean I had to lie down and take it.
And neither does Terri.
Chapter six
Terri Kingston
Thatnightafterdinner,my heart felt lighter than it had in years.
Though Paxton Ross didn’t say much, his defiance at my mother’s words and his quiet strength when he’d taken my hand had made me feel like I’d mattered, like I was more than just a nuisance or disappointment to my family.
Imattered, not my body, not what I wore, not what I said.
After the somber meal, which anyone had hardly spoken except for dad—who seemed amused by the low tension hanging over our heads—I’d showered, then slipped into bed with a smile on my face.
The next morning, dread and excitement flitted in my belly. Dread because it was a new year with the same crowd of students, excitement because it was my sophomore year, meaning only two more years before I could escape to a new college where no one knew me or my family. Where hopefully I could start fresh and make better impressions.
I straightened my school uniform, which consisted of a button-down pink dress shirt, a white tie, and khaki trousers. Mom always insisted I wear the pleated skirt with white tights, but today I felt rebellious and a little freer.
Ironwood Prep allowed females to choose between skirts or pants and grasping at this act of defiance felt like taking a bit of control, even if it was small.
Several pink bows, one with hearts on the ribbon, another with a strawberry pattern, lay scattered on the top of the dresser. Out of habit, I reached for the hairpieces then paused.
I’m not wearing one today. I don’t care if she likes it or not.
Remembering Paxton’s warm touch against my skin, I took a deep breath. Squeezing a few drops of oil onto my fingers, I scrunched my hair and admired how freely it moved without the annoying clip of the bow keeping it in place.
After a quick breakfast whipped up by the kitchen staff, with Lana chattering to anyone who would listen, Moira ushered us to the car.
Lana crammed herself between Paxton and me, then buckled up. “I wonder if Momma will let Shannon spend the night this weekend?”
Sprawling homes flew past the window.
I glanced over to Paxton, wondering what he thought about Arizona. He hadn’t said much this morning, other than politethank yousoruh-huhsto Lana’s chatter. I couldn’t quite figure him out. He’d seemed to avoid my stare, but when I wasn’t looking in his direction, I could’ve sworn I could feel his eyes roving over me.
He kept his attention to the window but twisted a white guitar pick between his fingers.
Is he nervous?Probably. Not only was he going to a new school in a new state with a new family, but the school also happened to be one of the most pretentious in the country.
Even though his father had been a big music guru in the past, it didn’t sound like he’d had much money. I’d scoured the internet to read about his dad’s death. I couldn’t imagine finding my parent dead in a motel room due to a drug overdose.
How bad has it been for him?
Lana had stopped her breathless litany of questions after neither of us responded to play a game on her phone. Quiet descended in the car, other than the occasional bump of a pothole.
When I looked back to Paxton, his face turned in my direction and those cold, icy eyes seemed bewildered.
