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I lick my dry lips before saying, “But that was before the girl he rescued moved into town.”
He straightens his back and leans forward, elbows pressed to the patio table. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying the girl he rescued from those scumbag Bulldogs was me, and I’m ready to tell my side of the story.”
As much as I don’t want to relive what happened that night, I’ll do it if it means clearing Rome’s name, getting his future back, and saving my own ass in the process.
Wilder draws his fingers around his mouth, eyes wide in surprise. “Are you serious?”
I nod, biting the corner of my lip.
“Damn, Elodie.” He chuckles “Does Rome know?”
I laugh. “He’s known longer than I have.”
“I…I don’t even know what to say.” He sinks back into the chair, his legs spread wide beneath the table. A realization hits him and a grin spreads across his face. “So, you’re the girl who pushed him into the pool?”
I scratch the back of my neck, before saying, “Guilty.”
I’m surprised when he reaches across the table with his hand raised for a high five. I feel like a snake for hitting his hand back, but I do it with a little giggle. Before Wilder even asks, I need him to know something.
“When I called the cops that night, I didn’t do it with the intention of Rome getting in trouble. I really was just trying to help him. I left after that and didn’t return to Willow Creek until two weeks ago. If I had known?—”
Wilder holds up a hand. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Elodie. I know how Rome is. I’m just glad I finally know why he’s been behaving like such a prick lately. I mean, he was in a pissy mood ever since the arrest, but when school started back up, it intensified. Now I know it had nothing to do with school or football. He’s giving you alotta shit, isn’t he?”
“Honestly, that’s an understatement. But don’t worry, I can handle Rome.” I hope.
“I don’t doubt that for a second. Just prepare yourself, his words and actions can cut deep.”
Don’t I know it.
Wilder’s phone chirps and he picks it up off the table, steals a glance at it, then lays it back down. “You said you think your witness statement can help. So, what’s your plan?”
“I need to talk to my mom. I’m certain once I do, she’ll be able to file a motion for a new trial with the new evidence I’ll bring to light.”
Wilder’s eyes sparkle, and I can’t help but feel like maybe this whole moving here thing isn’t going to be the end of the world. “Damn, girl. Look at you talking in courtroom lingo.”
“What can I say, I have a passion for the legal system and seeking justice where it’s deserved.” My headache has faded to the background as my mind starts to clear and my plan becomes more and more solid.
“Spoken like the daughter of a district attorney.” Wilder winks.
“More like a future pre-law student.” It’s the first time I’ve told anyone that I’m actually going pre-law. To this day, Rome is still the only one who knows I’ve been accepted to, not only my dream school, but many other prestigious universities.
His hands go up before landing on his knees. “What can I do to help?”
“Actually,” I drawl. “I was hoping you’d go with me to Ravencrest Park to see if there is anything I can remember that I might have suppressed. Anything that can help Rome before I give my statement. I haven’t been back there since that night last year, and I could really use the support, and backup, if needed.”
Just thinking about going back to that park sends a rush of anxiety through my body. My palms get clammy, my heart races. There’s no way I can go alone.
“Treading into Bulldog territory and potentially raising some hell? Count me in.”
“We will not be raising hell. With any luck, we won’t see any of those assholes.”
I’m not sure how I’d react to seeing Winton, Damon, or Miles again. The weeks that followed my stroll into the park were filled with panic attacks, restlessness, and sleepless nights. There was a dull ache in the pit of my stomach, knowing I would never get to tell my story about the hell they put me through. They might not have actually assaulted my body, but they violated me, and the internal wounds they caused are just now scabbing over. I just hope going back to that park and giving my statement doesn’t reopen them completely.
The sliding door to the walkout basement opens and Rome appears. I tap my foot nervously, hoping Wilder will give me an answer before we’re interrupted.
“I’ve got practice after school on Monday, but we could go after?” He tracks Rome as he gets closer.
