“Dora?” Katy frowns.
“Mom.”
Katy chuckles, but there is no warmth in it. “That was nothing.”
“Katy—”
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore. It’s my first week of school being out. I just want to enjoy it without all the drama Mom brings to everything.”
“Fine. I’ll drop you at my place and leave you in peace.”
“Thank you.”
“Mom’s right about one thing, though—you need to stay away from Sorrow.”
“Banner—”
“No. I’d give you the world, Katy cat, but I won’t budge on this. Just stay away from her. Like you said, she’ll be leaving soon anyway.”
She turns away from me. “Lucky her.”
Chapter Seven
SORROW
I sip my drink as I stare out at the overgrown yard, debating what to tackle next.
After an emotional morning with Katy, I need to switch my mind off and do something to distract myself.
I’ve already picked up the mess in the kitchen. And though the painting isn’t finished, after last time, I don’t want to be in that room, stroking memories like hot coals in a fire, ready to burn me when I least expect it.
I turn toward the house next door. I hear something fall and hold my breath. If Banner is home, I need to head back inside. No way am I ready for another sparring match with the man, not when I’m still bearing the bruises from the last round.
I took my jacket off when I got here because I got hot. When I lift my arm, I can clearly see the ring of bruises. I wince as they throw me back in time to another set of bruises caused by his brother. I swallow the nausea and drink the rest of my coffee as I remind myself that I’m not the same girl. Jake might have caught me off guard last night, but I’m nobody’s victim.
My phone chimes, so I grab it. I keep my eye on the fence separating my house from next door before glancing down.
Can confirm, parents are still dicks.
I chuckle at Katy’s message before I reply.
Did you expect them to have changed between breakfast and lunch?
I wait as the phone tells me she’s typing and grin when the message comes through.
I hoped zombies would attack while I was with you. I figured they’d make a tasty snack.
I crack up laughing.
Don’t zombies eat brains?
Crap, good point, of course they’d survive.
Maybe you should switch from horror flicks to Disney for a while, you little ray of sunshine.
Lame. Zombies are where it’s at.
I know what I could do with a little of that Disney magic right now. Maybe I could whistle a tune, and some birds would help me clean this place up.
