“Who was the man with the fine ass?” Gale asks, maneuvering the bus back into traffic.
“No one,” I mumble, hoping she’ll drop it. She does not.
“What did he want? Was he bothering you?”
She seems so troubled by the idea that I have no choice but to tell her the truth so she doesn’t worry.
“He wanted to take me to breakfast,” I finally say.
She meets my eyes in the bus’s large rearview mirror. “And you chose to take public transportation instead of spend a nice morning with that gorgeous man?”
I groan and lean my head against the metal pole behind her seat. “Gale, you saw him. He’s way out of my league.”
“Honey,” she starts, and I know from her tone that I’m in for it. “Don’t you dare put yourself down like that. You’re a beautiful young woman and the sweetest person I’ve ever met. That man would be damn lucky to have someone like you. Don’t ever let someone make you feel like you’re beneath them. Don’t give them that power. And I don’t care how gorgeous he is, if that man doesn’t treat you like you deserve to be treated, then drop him, because he’s the one that’s not good enough.”
“Thanks, Gale,” I whisper, feeling my throat tighten at what she’s said. She and Jerry are the only people to ever show me any kindness, and even though I have a hard time believing what she’s just said, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it like hell. “He was actually pretty nice,” I admit.
She smiles and gives a soft laugh. “Then don’t worry, sweetie. He’ll be back.”
I don’t say it out loud, but I kind of hope she’s right. She gives me an extra tight squeeze before I get off the bus, and as I walk home, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. I’m just about to check it when I spot the motorcycle parked outside our house. Not even knowing that Valeri is texting me is enough to stop the dread from forming in the pit of my stomach. If Lyle is here at six in the morning that can only mean one thing—he and my dad have been drinking all night again.
As quiet as I can, I slip inside and tiptoe through the kitchen, biting back a groan at the empty beer cans lining the counter. When I step into the living room, I’m not surprised to see my dad passed out in the recliner, but I’m not expecting Lyle to still be awake.
“Morning, Evie,” he slurs, nearly making me jump out of my skin. He’s sitting on the couch, arms draped along the back, knees spread wide, and pot belly hanging over his pants. The picture is complete when he lets out a belch and then gives me a smile. I ignore him and turn to go upstairs, taking the steps two at a time, not stopping until I’m in my room and shutting the door.
Dropping my bag, I let out a sigh and pull out my phone, eager to see what Valeri texted. I’m just about to read it when my door is thrown open with a bang.
“What the hell?” I yell, quickly backing out of my messages.
“Who are you texting?” Lyle’s filling my entire doorway with his mass, bracing his hands on the doorframe and looking just as pissed off as usual. He takes a step towards me, fully entering my room, filling me with a mixture of fear and anger. “Let me see your phone.”
He holds out his hand like I’m just going to give it to him. I put my phone back in my pocket and try not to show how anxious he’s making me.
“I’m not giving you my phone, Lyle, and I wasn’t texting anyone.”
“You better not have a boyfriend, Evie. You know your dad wouldn’t like that.”
“I’m almost twenty-one,” I remind him.
His dark eyes narrow as he comes closer, forcing me to back up into a corner. He’s close enough for me to smell his foul breath—the perfect mix of beer, chewing tobacco, and unwashed mouth.
“Don’t get sassy with me, little girl. Your dad and I have an understanding, and I’ve been patient long enough.”
“What does that mean?” I ask, even though I’m terrified I already know what he’s hinting at.
“It means that he told me I could have you once you were old enough.” His eyes run over me as his lips curl up in a disgusting leer of a smile. “You look pretty damn ripe to me, honey.” He lets out a small laugh. “Although it is hard to tell with all the baggy clothes you wear. Why don’t you take those coveralls off and let me have a good look at what I’ve been waiting so long for?”
I push him as hard as I can and run from the room, locking myself in the bathroom across the hall. He chases after me, pounding on the door.
“Open the damn door, Evie!”
“Just leave, Lyle,” I yell back. “I don’t care what my dad told you. I’m not yours.”
He lets out a harsh laugh. “Not yet, sweetheart, but you will be.”
He bangs his fist against the door hard enough to make me jump back before walking off with a laugh. I sink to the floor, wrapping my arms around my legs and letting my forehead rest on my knees. I don’t cry. I don’t wish my life was different. I gave up on that fairytale long before I even hit my teenage years. I just sit, more numb than anything else, and debate whether or not it’s safe to bolt back to my room. The buzz of my phone has me pulling it from my pocket and lifting my head. Valeri’s been busy. I swipe up so I can read the messages from the beginning.
I’m really sorry, Evie. I’m not sure what happened, but I didn’t mean to upset you. I really did just want to take you to breakfast.
