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Rent is paid on the trailer for the next two months. With Devlin covering the medical bills, I was able to use the cash I’ve saved so far to keep our trailer. Just in case Mom’s condition improves. I want her to come home from the hospital without worrying.
It’s been four days. Every day after school I’ve gone to sit with her, doing my homework at the foot of her bed. She looks better. Her color has returned, but the doctors won’t clear her release without more testing first.
At the very least, she’s getting a nice break with a cushy private hospital room to rest.
All on Devlin’s dime.
I cast a glance at him as we climb into the red Porsche. He adjusts his sunglasses and flicks on a playlist once his phone connects to the Bluetooth. A haunting lo-fi beat fills the car.
The gravel grinds beneath the tires as Devlin revs the engine and peels out of the community of misfits I’ve called home for the last several years.
Watching the trailer park shrink in the rear window as we drive off is weirdly bittersweet.
I’ve been looking forward to escaping this place for years. To go to college and land an opportunity to improve our lives. Is this what that freedom will feel like?
“You’ll get a neck cramp if you plan to sit like that the whole time.”
Huffing, I shift in the seat, plucking at the frayed edges of my cutoff shorts. We quickly leave the rougher parts of Ridgeview. Nicer houses fly by the window as we approach the Rockies.
Devlin seems relaxed. He slouches back in the driver’s seat, shifting gears like it’s second nature. One hand rests over the wheel, air drumming to the beat of the song playing. This one has more of a rock style mixed with some synth beats. I wouldn’t have pegged him for listening to stuff like this.
I twine a piece of denim around my finger to keep busy. I’m trying not to pick at my nails so much. The further the car climbs into the mountains, the more my stomach flutters with nerves.
“Since we have off on Monday, I’m going to see my mom.”
Devlin hums.
“Gemma texted me last night. Her and Lucas are driving down from Oak Ridge College for the weekend.”
I’m hoping to get some time to see Gemma, since Lucas lives across the lake from Devlin.
“Don’t tell Gemma about our deal.” Devlin shoots me a sidelong glance. “Or Lucas.”
I snort. “I don’t really talk to Lucas. And your rules are bullshit.”
“I’m serious. Don’t tell anyone. This isn’t the same as making you quack like a duck because it’s funny.”
“Whatever.”
I lean an arm against the window as we pull into the huge entrance of Silver Lake Forest Estates. My stomach turns inside out like the drop in a roller coaster. Devlin remains quiet as we wind through the community, passing tennis courts and a pool. I sneer at the sign for the rock climbing gym. These stuck up rich people have it all.
Devlin pulls through the iron gate at the front of his property a few minutes later, parking out front on the circular drive.
The huge modern contemporary meets cabin style mansion looms into the trees guarding it. In the daylight, it’s beautiful.
“Grab your shit.” Devlin saunters up the front steps, leaving me to haul my things by myself.
Narrowing my eyes, I hoist my duffel onto my shoulder, following Devlin into the house.
It may be beautiful and dripping in expensive taste, but it’s empty. The air inside the entrance is still and oppressive.
I peer up at the high ceiling with exposed beams and a modern chandelier made of glass and metal. It’s hard to believe it was only a few weeks ago Devlin pinned me to this door after catching me stealing his precious car.
Devlin doesn’t wait for me to take in the wonder of his wealth, continuing into the belly of the house without me. As I follow, I’m baffled. The house is so much bigger than the parties Gemma took me to last year at Lucas Saint’s, and his house is huge.
The kitchen is where I find Devlin. It’s just as luxurious as the first time I saw it, though I was a little distracted then. My attention cuts to the metal-backed stools he tied me to. The room looks like something out of an upscale interior design magazine with frosted glass-front cabinets and dark granite counters.
Devlin leans in the open fridge, sighing even though it’s full to the brim with food.
