Cross the river and you’d see a difference in life so stark, it’d turn your stomach.That’s what mom used to tell us.
I’m only interested more now that I know that’s where Colson is from. North or south of the Sycamore River, it doesn’t matter. There are good and bad people everywhere. People who lie, cheat, and steal live in all corners of the earth. Colson is living proof there’s decency in that less fortunate town.
“What was that like?”
Just barely, his eyebrow lifts. “Not like it was growing up in Chatham Hills or anywhere around here, that’s for damn sure.”
“Are you assuming I grew up here?”
“Are you saying you didn’t?” I sit back against the cushioned booth. “It’s in the way you carry yourself.”
I didn’t ask for the parents I have, but they’ve provided comfortable lives for Olive and me in the next town over.
I cast my gaze out the window, the pit in my stomach growing at the thought of him criticizing me because I grew up with something he didn’t have.
“Hey, look at me.” He sits taller, resting his elbows on the table. “There’s nothing wrong with that. It doesn’t make me like you any less.”
“It’s fine. I get it. People often judge those who live in better conditions or who have better circumstances.”
“They shouldn’t. There’s nothing wrong with where you grew up or where I grew up. It’s just different.”
“Did you like growing up in Harrison Heights?”
He shrugs. “It wasn’t always my favorite place to be.”
“Why?”
He glances down, his expression tightening before he looks back up. “Because if you heard a story about it, then it’s probably true. There’s a lot of shit that goes on. Crime and the like. It’s not always the safest or most fun. When you’re a kid, that stuff gets in your head.”
I don’t know if I should ask, if I should put myself in his business, but then I think back to him showing up at my apartment after quite obviously being beat up. “Is that why you moved in with Sebastian?”
“Yeah.”
He’s vague, and I can see it, but he’s being open—something I’m not quite sure he’s used to. I don’t need exact answers. It’s reassuring enough that he’s entertaining my questions even if his answers aren’t entirely direct.
I breathe deeply before sipping at my smoothie. The peanut butter spreads on my tongue in the most delicious way, but I must admit, “I think your smoothie does taste better.”
He grins. “I know it does.”
“Mine is a good meal replacement option, but if you want something fun then yours is the way to go.”
“Tell you what,” he says, his blue eyes never straying from mine. “Next time, I’ll share. I’ll even let you be a little bit greedy, too.”
NINETEEN
VIOLET
Sylvia:We need a wild night out at Lucy’s. Just us girls.
Violet:Wavering on the wild bit.
Everleigh:I am so down for this after the week I’ve had.
Sylvia:You know you want to, Violet…
Sylvia:Or are you going to come up with a boring ass excuse not to come like you did last time?
Everleigh:Anyone ever tell you that you catch more bees with honey than vinegar, Syl?
