Page 47 of Saints & Sailors

My options were slim, but I had to get home.

My phone was near dead, but I knew just the right person to save the day.

Me

I need a favor

Cameron

Sure, what’s up

Me

I’m over at Bonham’s and I need a ride home

Cameron

Cameron

On my way

Cameron came and picked me up in her father’s Sorento. It was just past eleven in the morning, but by her perky disposition I could tell she’d been up for hours.

“Coffee?” She handed me a tumbler as soon as I climbed into the passenger seat and buckled in.

I accepted the caffeine because God knew I would need it to face Scott. “What’s in it?”

“Straight black,” Cameron replied as she pulled off.

I could chug it. “Thanks, by the way.”

Cameron offered a tight smile. “No problem.” She glimpsed at me briefly before focusing back on the road. “Are you okay?”

“My head is killing me,” I groaned.

“There should be aspirin or something in the glove compartment.”

I found the aspirin and took three before chasing them with my coffee.

Cameron was silent the rest of the drive and I noted she was a fan of country music. Not my vibe, but I could hang.

When we pulled in front of my house, Cameron faced me, appearing grave. “Uncle Scott was really worried about you. I wanted to cover for you, I did, but he sounded scared, Saylor.”

I would’ve felt bad, but fuck Scott. “Well, that’s too bad.”

“Saylor—”

“He abandoned me before I was born, and now he wants to be Mr. Responsible and in my life? No thanks.” I unbuckled my seat belt and got out of the car. “Thanks for the ride, Cameron.”

Cameron’s pretty features were painted in sympathy. “For what it’s worth, everyone deserves a second chance, sometimes even thirds. Be safe.”

She drove off, and I turned, ready to go inside and go straight to bed.

If only that were possible.

The front door flew open before I could even step foot on our front walk.

Scott stepped outside, at first relieved, and then suddenly angry.