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Rome hasn’t changed. He just wanted me to think he did.
Lake pounds on my door, shouting for me to let her in so we can talk, but I don’t want to talk. Instead, I shoot a quick text to Maggie.
Me: Up for a visitor this weekend?
I need to get the hell out of Willow Creek for a while, maybe even forever.
As I wait for Maggie to respond, I pack a bag with enough clothes and toiletries to last me a couple days. If she’s busy, I’ll just go to my dad’s. He might not be there, but I’d rather be alone anyways.
Just when I fling my backpack over my shoulder, my phone pings.
Maggie: Hell yes! When are you coming?
Me: Leaving now. It’ll take me about four hours. See you soon.
I pull open my door and Lake is still standing there. Her concern is evident, but I shrug it off, holding my head high. “El, it’s okay. It’s not like you stripped or anything.”
I swipe the tears from my cheeks and sniffle. “You don’t understand, Lake. Tell Mom I’m going to Bakersfield for the weekend to stay with Maggie.”
Lake tries to grab my arm, but I shrug her off, trying not to fall apart completely. “Leaving won’t make this go away, El. Just stay here and deal with it.”
I step past her, eyes downcast. “I can’t stay here anymore.”
As I’m jogging down the stairs to get out of here before my mom gets home, I get another text message, this one from Gage.
I stop at the bottom of the steps and read it quickly.
Gage: Can we meet and talk? There’s something you need to know.
Me: If this is about the video, don’t bother. I’ve seen it.
Gage: It’s not about that. I need to talk to you about Winton Brooks.
Reading his name on the screen of my phone sends my heart into my throat. I’m not sure what Gage knows about Winton, but it could be something that helps Rome’s case, so I reply.
Me: It has to be quick. I’m leaving town.
Gage: Perfect. Can you meet me at Ravencrest Park?
Anxiety ripples through me. Just the thought of going to that park has me on edge. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to go there again. But I did it once with Wilder and I survived, so I can do it again.
Me: When?
His response is immediate.
Gage: Now.
Gage should be on his way to the game with the rest of the team, and the fact that he isn’t tells me this must be important.
Me: I’m on my way.
I try not to let my anxiety over everything get the best of me, but my heart feels like it weighs a thousand pounds in my chest. Rome hurt me once when he ignored me and kissed Abby, but this is different. This was malicious and intentional.
I might have ruined his life, but I have been doing everything I can to make up for that. This video is unforgivable, though. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
And that’s what I am, a damn fool who fell for her fucking stepbrother.
The second I pull into the parking lot at the park, my hands start shaking. I hold tight to the steering wheel, reminding myself that I don’t have to get out. If Gage wants to talk, he can come to my window. He’s not here yet, but I’m hoping he gets here soon because the sun is starting to set and I need to get on the road if I want to make it to Bakersfield at a decent time.
