“Hey, guys, I think I forgot something back at the restaurant,” I mumbled, fumbling through my pockets to make the lie more believable. “I’m gonna go back.”
“Ah, I really wanted a candy bar,” Keenan protested, gazing longingly at the gas station.
“Go ahead, I’ll catch up with you guys.” I waved him off. I just needed to get away before my dad came out, most likely with beer and a pack of cigarettes.
Keenan wasted no time to run across the street to the gas station, not even bothering to look both ways. Hayden didn’t move, though.
“You sure? I can go with you?” His gaze bounced back and forth between me and Keenan.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” I had already started walking backward, away from him. “Make sure Keenan doesn’t blow all his money on stupid shit. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay…”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the gas station door opening, a tall figure stepping out. Not thinking twice, I took off in a sprint without looking back to see if he’d noticed me.
Instead of running all the way back to Ranger’s, I skirted around the corner into an alleyway. My chest heaved from exertion, and I leaned against the brick wall of the building next to me, hands on my knees and head down.
That was way too close. I didn’t think my dad saw me and Hayden, but I’d find out later when I got home. Thesilly thing was that I didn’t even run away for my sake. I wouldn’t have cared if he saw me if I were alone. It was the fact that Keenan and Hayden were with me. Spencer Bayley wouldn’t have taken kindly to the idea of me hanging around two boys, even if we were all just friends.
His favorite thing to do was isolate me and Mom. If we didn’t have friends or anyone to help us out, we’d have to depend on him, even when he wasn’t treating us properly.
The whole notion of it made me angry, and my hands balled into fists. One day I’d be free of all this. There’d be no one to control my life except for me.
I stood in the shadows of the alley for a few more minutes until I was sure the truck would be gone, and then I pushed myself off the wall and headed back in the direction of the gas station to meet up with Hayden and Keenan.
I didn’t see them outside, so I looked both ways before crossing the street to go inside. The truck was nowhere in sight. My dad either went home or to a casino to blow whatever cash he had.
I heard the boys before I saw them and headed toward the sound of their voices.
“Dude, hurry up already. I want to make sure Sierra’s okay!” Hayden whined as candy wrappers crinkled in the next aisle over.
“Don’t rush perfection, Hazey!” Keenan retorted.
I was sure Hayden was rolling his eyes as he grumbled, “You already have like eight things. Who are you trying to feed? An army?”
“Yes, an army of one. Me.”
I turned the corner, stepping into the candy aisle, and sure enough, Keenan had his arms full of gas station snacks. Pringles and Red Bulls, and bags of sour candy. Heappeared to be deciding between Reese’s peanut butter cups and KitKats.
“Reese’s are superior,” I announced, and they both jumped as they turned toward me.
“God, Skip, you scared me! I almost dropped my drinks!” Keenan clutched his goodies even closer to his chest.
“I’m just saying, if you loved me, you’d get the peanut butter cups and share them with me.” I flashed them a grin, taking some of the drinks out of Keenan’s arms. The last thing I wanted was for him to drop everything and make a mess.
“There, she made the decision easy for you. Come on, let’s go.” Hayden grabbed the bag of peanut butter cups with one hand and Keenan’s arm with the other, leading him toward the cashier.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
hayden
PRESENT DAY
Did you make sure to triple-check all of your straps?” I asked Sierra as she swapped out Lucky’s halter and lead rope for his bridle and reins.
“Yes, I checked them.” Irritation crackled in her voice. “You don’t need to hover over me like I’m some kid, Hayden. I’m fully capable.”
Fuck, she had a point.
