“Get your shit. I’m dropping you at Zara’s,” I tell her.
“Why?”
“Because you’re staying there tonight, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, but why are you driving me?”
“Because you can’t drive yourself and I was in the area.” I shrug like it’s not a big deal.
I wasn’t in the area. I’m never just in the area of town where Spencer and Constance live. I’ve been friends with Spencer since we were in primary school, back when they lived in the same neighbourhood as I did. Their family had money, and then his father lost it all.
“Right, sure you were. I’ll be right back.” Constance doesn’t question my motives. She goes back inside, returning five minutes later with an overnight bag.
I look at her as I pull away from her house. “How’s your mum?”
“Sleeping. Let’s hope she stays that way.” Constance sighs.
“If you need to leave Zara’s, call me. I’ll come back and get you,” I tell her.
“Why?”
“Because I know Spencer is busy tonight.” It’s part of the reason I want her to call me. I want to make sure Zara doesn’t crash if Constance leaves. I know her depression is bad, but seeing her today, sobbing in the library, it fucking broke me. I don’t know how to help her, other than letting her use me for whatever it is she thinks I do for her.
“I know what’s Spence is doing, but why are you doing this? And no bullshit about how it’s to help me. We both know it’s not.”
“You need to be careful around Zara,” I say.
“Why? Careful how?”
“Just don’t push her to do anything she doesn’t want to do.”
“I wouldn’t ever do that to anyone.” Constance sounds offended.
“She’s just…” I’m at a loss for words. How can I explain to Constance how fragile Zara really is without breaking Zara’s trust? I fucking can’t.
“You really like her,” she says.
“I’ve known her all my life. She’s family.” I lift a shoulder.
“Nope, this is different. You’ve known me almost your entire life and you barely tolerate me. You like her, like—like, likeher. And not just the way a friend would like a friend.”
I glare at Constance. “I don’tlike, likeanyone.”
“Sure you don’t.” She smiles. “Don’t worry… I’m not going to try to turn her towards the better team.” Constance laughs.
With how Zara was kissing me earlier today, I’m not worried. She likes me much more than she wants to. Or it’s the only way she gets a break from her mind and she’s using me like a drug. Regardless, I’m more than willing to be used.
We pull up to the gate at the McKinley estate, and I press the button on the intercom. Constance whistles from beside me. “Holy shit, she’s richer than rich.”
“Don’t mention it to her,” I mutter under my breath.
“Mr De Bellis, are you expected?” A voice comes over the speaker.
“Afternoon, Malcom. Yeah, I’m dropping off Zara’s friend from school.” I greet the security guard who’s worked for the McKinleys for as long as I can remember.
“Come on in. I’ll let Miss McKinley know you’re here,” he says.
“Thanks.” Putting the car into drive, I go through the now-open gates, stopping under the alcove at the front of the house.“She knows who her family is, Constance. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Act like it’s normal. That’s what she needs,” I say before I get out of the car.
