“You talk about her like she’s dead.”
“In some ways, she is. She’s no longer a mother to the boys. They don’t even want to be around her.” He checks the time on his phone. “I need to make some calls. I’ll be in my office.”
“Are you going to Braden’s game tomorrow?” I ask as he leaves.
“I can’t make it. I need to prepare for the audition. You’re going, I assume?”
“If I can get a ride. Oh, I told Ms. Adams I’m done with counseling. I told her you found me someone else.”
“And what did Ms. Adams say?” he asks, his interest piqued by the mere mention of her name. Maybe he wants to date her again. Is he done with Ana or just wanting to mix things up by having a night or two with Ms. Adams?
“She said I could still talk to her if I wanted to.”
“Tell her no. One therapist is plenty. Don’t forget your appointment next week.” He continues down the hall to his office.
A text pops up on my phone from Jackson.
Are you home?
Yeah. Why?I text back.
My phone rings, and I race to my room to answer. “I thought you were at practice.”
“I am, but one of the guys twisted his ankle. We’re waiting to see if he can play.”
“I miss you,” I say, sounding sappy and in love. But it’s how I feel.
“I miss you too.”
“Is that why you’re calling?”
“Actually, no. It’s about Kristen.”
I sigh with annoyance. “Now what?”
“She just called. She was crying, saying Steven would be home soon and she’s afraid. Her mom left and Kristen doesn’twant to be alone with him. She wants to come to my house and spend the night. I told her I had to think about it.”
“She’s lying. I saw her at school and she was fine. I told her I know what’s going on with her and her stepdad and she didn’t even deny it. All the stuff she told you is made up, just like I said.”
“Wait, she admitted she’s with Steven?”
“Not at first, but then she made a comment about the marks on her neck. She said something about pleasure and pain, like the marks were because of some sex thing she did with Principal Edwards.” I shudder just thinking about it. “And then I overheard them fighting after school. She told him I know.”
“Are you absolutely positive that’s what you heard? Or are you just guessing?”
“They didn’t say my name, but who else would they be talking about?”
“Don’t confront her again. Just pretend you don’t know anything.”
“What are you going to tell her about coming over?”
“I’ll have to tell her no. But shit, if you’d heard her on the phone, she sounded scared for her life. If that was all fake, she’s a damn good actress.” He pauses, then yells, “Yeah, I’m coming!”
“You have to go?”
“Yeah, but about tomorrow, I want to see you after the game. You think you could talk to Shayla about dropping you off somewhere?”
“I could ask. I don’t know if she’ll do it. Where would we meet?”
