Page 18 of Come Back to Me

I did visit our trailer several months back, and I asked around about Dad. The neighbors told me he left and moved to California.

Why couldn’t he have left when we were still in that hellhole?

My nonexistent childhood taught me to be grateful for what I have.

My mom.

My friends.

And Violet.

Speaking of Violet, it’s interesting to me how much she despises living in this place. I’d never want to leave if I lived here. Lighthouse Estates is the neighborhood every kid desperately wanted to live in.

I know how miserable she is here because she tells me all the time. I wish I could run away with her, but that could only happen if we lived in an alternate universe.

Georgia opens her mouth. “The party starts in precisely thirty minutes. Blake and Violet, go get dressed. You too, Grayson.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say without making eye contact with her.

Violet flips her mother off as she gets out of the car, making me chuckle.

“You’re such a brat.” Blake’s eye twitches to express his annoyance.

“And you’re an asshole.”

I cover my mouth, so Blake doesn’t see me laughing.

Georgia gets out of the car, walking up to her daughter. “Violet Rose Prescott, watch your language.”

I send Violet a text because apparently I can’t help myself.

Me

You know, that mouth of yours is going to get you into a lot oftrouble one day

Violet

Pretty bold of you to text that to me

Me

I’d love to say it to your face

Violet

Then do it. I dare you

Me

I have to change into my costume first

Violet

Fine. Stop by my room afterwards, and you can tell me all about how my mouth is going to get me into trouble

Me

You’ve got a deal, Angel