The engine's growl crescendos as it approaches and then settles into a steady rumble as the rider idles at the curb. I wipe my soot-stained hands on an old towel and do my best not to let my nerves show as I make my way outside.
I knew he’d show up. I’m prepared.
Uncle Lyle, clad in a black leather jacket, cuts the engine, and the sudden silence feels almost startling. With him is a man—Steely—another old friend of my dad’s.
They dismount their bikes.
Uncle Lyle doesn't say a word as he walks over. There’s an unreadable expression on his weathered face, and it sends prickles down my spine.
“Blakey girl.”
The smile I give him is forced. “Is everything okay?”
His eyes darken on me before he glances over his shoulder at his friend. “You hear that?Is everything okay?Like I’m some fucking stranger.”
Steely chuckles while my palms break out in sweat. I never know what will set him off.
“It’s been a while since you came by. I thought maybe something happened.”
“Don’t play dumb. We both know you’re not. And I don’t need an excuse to come by and check on you, do I?”
“Of course not.” My tone is conciliatory. I’ll say whatever I need to if it’ll get them to leave before Rowan comes home.
He runs his fingers through his silver-streaked hair and drags his gaze over my body. “Come here. Give your godfather a hug.”
I feel sick as I force myself to step into his open arms. He holds me close and tight for a few long moments, his hands drifting over my back and settling too low. My nostrils fill with the putrid scent of cigarettes and gasoline. Behind him, Steely smirks.
“I shoulda come by sooner.” His voice is low in my ear. “I haven’t seen you since the funeral. Thought you’d keep yourself out of trouble, but looks like I was wrong.”
Whatever trouble he thinks I’m in is nothing compared to the trouble his reappearance will no doubt cause. Nothing good comes from men like him and my father.
I hoped that if I left Darkwater Hollow quietly, he’d forget about me.
“What happened with the house?” he asks, finally letting go of me.
“There was a fire.”
“Where are you staying then?”
“With my neighbor.”
“Your neighbor? That guy I saw you with last night?”
“Yeah.”
“Huh.” He drags his palm over his chin. “Heard you and the boyfriend broke up. So what was that last night? You on a date?”
What do I say? Lying will only delay the inevitable. The whole town’s supposed to believe Rowan and I are in a serious relationship, which means Uncle Lyle will find out soon enough.
“Yes. Rowan and I are seeing each other.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I went to Frostbite the other night. You weren’t there, but Brett was. When we talked, he seemed sure you two will work things out.”
God damn it.
I wrap my arms around myself. “I don’t know why he thinks that. It’s over.”
“You should give the mayor’s boy another chance. Or is he not good enough for you?”
