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It was a tragedy for everyone in town. But something happened to Pepper after that. It was more than grief. She was like a walking zombie. A confused walking zombie. Avoiding comfort and people in general.
The minute she was of age, which was shortly after our high school graduation, she dropped everything and everyone. And left.
“Word had it, you tried talking to her in the halls a week before graduation,” Levi pokes.
“I was giving her my condolences.”
“Sure, you were.”
Dad sits up in his chair. “Well, look at that, boys? Looks like Pepper found her happily ever after, after all.”
I take a swig of my beer. I don’t know why, but I watch her eyes closely. The tightness of her lips as Troy wraps his arm around her waist.
Yeah, she’s the picture of pure bliss.
Eight years ago
My palms are sweaty as I linger just outside the cafeteria before fifth period. Pepper Woods is slouched against the tile wall, scrolling through her phone. Her auburn hair falls in thick waves around her shoulders. Her pink lips turned into a slight frown. And though I can’t see them now, her big brown eyes that were once full of spirit and wonder…have lost their shine.
And with the loss she’s suffered…it’ll be a while before she gets it back.
I should know.
I swallow and rub my hands down my jeans as I try and muster the courage to approach her.
This is a bad idea.
She’s probably heard enough. She doesn’t need another awkward few minutes of the same ‘sorry for your loss’ and ‘if there’s anything I can do…’ speech.
Not that I plan on a speech. The likelihood of Pepper giving me more than thirty seconds of her time is slim.
And the chances of the most popular girl in school being alone for just as long are even slimmer.
I start closing the distance before I change my mind.
“Pepper.”
She flinches before she turns. Something between skepticism and annoyance in her expression. “What?”
I slip my hands in my pockets, glancing around the hallway like I’m afraid her posse will come after me for talking to their queen.
I’m not a small guy; I’m considered somewhat of an athlete. Not a jock like her boyfriend Beau Hamilton, but I play a sport. Still, I wouldn’t want to come face to face with that guy right now if he sees me talkin’ to his girl.
“I just wanted to say…I’m sorry for your loss.”
Those lost but still beautiful brown eyes narrow. “Which one are you again?”
“Excuse me?”
“You’re a Reeves, right? Your dad’s Aiden Reeves, the boxer?”
“Yep.” I say, not bothering to tell her which one I am. She knows. She’s making a point. And I read her loud and clear.
“Yeah, well thanks. I don’t need anyone’s pity. I’m fine.”
There’s a beat as I debate whether or not to walk away. She’s grieving and this is…normal.
“Look, I’ll go. But I don’t pity you. I just…understand.”
