I know they wouldn’t have hated me, and they’d have supported whatever I chose to do as long as I did it with love.
But I can’t let Adrianna win this war. Even if I have to fight it alone, I will show everyone who she really is.
A bird lands on the front porch, chirping a tune, and Gus wiggles deeper into my pocket.
I know I won’t be able to stay here for long without starting to burn up, especially if the sun is going to keep shining bright. We’ll enjoy the peace and quiet for a bit and then head back to campus to swing by the fabric store.
“One time, when I was little, my dad and I were playing hide-and-seek. I actually found a hidden crawl space in the house. Only he and I knew about it. We would hide secret notes to eachother in there. Sometimes, he’d leave presents too. It was like a magic place that existed only for us.”
Another story pops in my mind.
“My mom was an art collector, and I remember finger-painting over a piece in the hallway once.” I chuckle, knowing what’s coming. “Turns out, it was a Pavlov original that I had decorated with little fingerprints.” I pause, imagining Gus bursting out into laughter. “She was so mad at first. But eventually, she told everyone it was her favorite, most cherished piece. It may be worth nothing on the market now, but it was priceless to her for an entirely different reason.”
I can’t seem to stop spilling memories to Gus, the words flowing from my lips like vomit. One after another, until my skin starts turning pink from the sun, and by the time I finish, my cheeks are damp from the happy recollection.
I pat them away, and the warmth of the sun does the rest to dry them. Thank God for waterproof mascara, or I would look a hot mess right now.
“All right, buddy., Let’s just swing by the shop on the way home and get the wicked witch’s fabric.” Standing to my feet, I take a slow, deep breath, studying the house once more before turning and striding away.
But I spin back and decide to do one more thing, pulling my phone out and snapping a picture before going on my way.
This part of town may not be the most wealthy or luxurious. But it’s full of the best people. At least once upon a time, it was.
As Gus and I check the first mile off our trek, clouds shift again, giving us some nice shade. With my eyes no longer straining, I can really take in the gorgeous walk.
One thing about Evermore is that it’s full of trees. Oak and pine and willows. Landscaping is always stunning and lush. It’s the most beautiful place in the world, and I’d never want to be anywhere else.
A golden retriever turns on the corner up ahead, heading toward us with the biggest grin. I glance at the people walking with it, instantly recognizing two girls from campus from when I saw them walking with Dean, Asher, and their friends.
I think the girls are dating guys on the team, or maybe they’re siblings. I’m not sure.
The golden angel struts on the sidewalk, the light yellow tail swooshing, her mouth open and smiling.
“I love your dog,” I call out, my voice easily carrying the ten feet to them.
The blonde girl, holding the leash, smiles at me. “Thanks. This is Sunny. She’s the best girl.”
An itch appears in the back of my mind at the sound of the girl’s voice, but I just can’t quite place it.
Sunny glances up at her owner before facing me.
The blonde girl’s eyes search me, and I suddenly become incredibly self-conscious.
Oh God, is my top too tight? Jeans too flashy? Maybe I shouldn’t have curled my hair and pinned half back. I should’ve worn it all up in a ponytail.
“I’m obsessed with your outfit. Where did you get those jeans?” She gasps, the three of them coming to a stop in front of me.
“Oh.” My anxiety starts to calm ever so slightly. “Umm …” I shake the chaos from my mind. “I made them. Same with my top.”
Her eyes widen, and her smile tips up even more. “You’re joking. They’re incredible!”
My shoulders soften. “Thank you so much.”
“Do you have a shop in town here? Or a website?” she insists, her dog padding closer to me.
Gus buries himself deeper in my bag as I crouch down to give Sunny a couple of pets. She sits immediately, tipping her head up, and I cup her face and brush her silky, soft cheeks.
“I don’t, no. Hopefully, one day, but right now, I just make stuff for myself,” I tell her, embarrassment skating across my back.
