The rowdy ones, p.20
The Rowdy Ones, page 20
I smile at his text. My phone always reads his texts as one long sentence and sometimes the words are wrong. Each one, though, warms my heart. Feeling better than I did a few minutes ago, I let myself into Gwen’s office and inhale the coffee aroma.
“Have a seat,” she says. “I’ll put your mug in front of you after you sit.”
Since I’ve been coming here pretty much every day, I easily find the sofa and sit down. Seconds later, I hear the thunk of the mug on the tabletop. As promised, it’s exactly where she said it would be.
I sip on my coffee and wonder if Weston told her about our difficult conversation. Once she has her coffee ready, she sits across from me, the chair squeaking beneath her.
“Group talk hard today?” she asks in a tender voice. “I know it’s not over yet and you were roaming the halls. Your eyes are red too. I’m guessing it was upsetting. Want to talk about it?”
Grimacing, I shake my head. “Things happened to me a while back ago. The girl talking stirred up those things. I hate thinking about them, much less talking about them. I needed a break from it.”
“I understand. It happens to everyone their first time. Hearing everyone else’s trauma is heavy. Not all of it is related to their disability. I’m assuming yours has nothing to do with yours either.”
“Nope. Just your regular, run-of-the-mill kidnapping and rape.”
To her credit, she doesn’t suck in a sharp breath or indicate my words have shaken her in any way. It makes me feel like a brat for trying to rattle her with the essence of my trauma.
“I hope the person who did that to you is suffering consequences.”
“They paid their price,” I say, nodding. “I don’t have to worry about them anymore.”
“Sounds like prison is a good place for them.”
I don’t correct her and tell her my brother murdered my abuser.
“It’ll be better next Friday,” she assures me, a smile in her words. “I promise.”
And here I’m considering skipping Fridays altogether.
“So, I heard about you and Weston.”
I tense at her statement. “Yeah. I feel awful.”
“He really likes you.” She pauses and then sighs. “Do you think it’s possibly a stress response after having discovered that murder victim? You two really hit it off. Seems a little abrupt to break it off with him.”
“Are you wanting to know as a therapist or Weston’s mom?” I ask sharply.
I’m most certainly being a bitch and I feel bad about it. I can’t help it, though. I’m feeling anxious after the group therapy session and Gwen is pushing uncomfortable buttons.
“I’m asking as your friend,” she says and then sips her coffee. “I’m Team Destiny. Your happiness and well-being are my number one priority.” She chuckles softly. “Not just you, but this whole clinic. Helping vision-impaired and blind young people is my calling. I’ve given my entire life to it. I’m guilty of caring way too much.”
I relax and nod. “I know. Sorry. I’m just off today.”
“So? How are you doing since that day? It must’ve been horrible to come across a dead body. Then for them to interrogate the two of you after, it must have been awful.”
“I was afraid,” I admit and then smile. “But Rowdy came for me. He always comes for me when I need him most.”
“Sounds like a good big brother.” She says it politely, but there’s a slight edge to her voice she can’t mask.
“The best. Like you, he’s Team Destiny and does whatever he can to make me happy.”
“You have quite the support system. That’s wonderful.”
“Staying with Uncle Atticus and Aunt Eve has been good for me. Coming to this clinic, too. I’m feeling more capable and stronger than I ever have.”
She sets her mug down again. “That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.”
“I even went to my first party. Ran into Claudia there.”
Gwen laughs. “She’s a hoot. I love that girl.”
“She’s boy crazy. Just saying.”
“Trust me, I know. She’s told me no less than fifteen times that she’d like to hook up with my son.”
I snort out a laugh, but then grow serious. “How is Weston anyway? I feel really bad.”
“He’s hurt, but it’s probably for the best. College starts back up next week. Long-distance relationships don’t often work out well, especially for being so new.”
“I wanted to stay being friends with him,” I admit, voice trembling, “but he said he didn’t want to be.”
“Weston is a hothead sometimes. Give him some time. I’m sure the two of you can eventually become friends.”
I smile, hoping she’s right.
“There’s actually something else I wanted to chat about,” Gwen says, speaking slow and carefully. “And I don’t want to offend you in any way.”
All the hairs on my arms stand on end. If someone has to preface their words with “I don’t want to offend you,” then there’s a massive chance it’s offensive.
“What?”
She shifts in her seat and lets out a resigned sigh. “You know how I feel about your brother and his ‘protectiveness.’” I know she wanted to say possessiveness but corrected herself at the last minute so as not to anger me. “And there have been rumors I’ve heard whispered here and there about the two of you.”
Rumors?
There’s no way anyone could know I’ve been having sex with him. My face burns fiery hot and I hate that I’m so obvious with my emotions. Her eyes are working full and well, so I know she sees my reaction.
“People are dumb,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m close with him, is all.”
So close his tongue has been inside me. So close his finger was in my asshole. So close he fucked me multiple times last night, each time filling me with his cum. I’m pretty sure she would die if she knew all that.
“A staff member saw him walking you to the building this morning,” she says flatly. “And then he kissed you.”
I freeze at her words, my tongue thickening in my mouth. Swallowing down the fear of being caught, I attempt to deny her words. “That’s silly.”
“Is it?”
The air is thick with tension. I squirm in my seat. Needing to do something, I chug the coffee in my mug, throat constricting at the cooler temperature of it. I prefer it hot, and it’s cool enough I want to gag.
“Honestly, Gwen,” I say as I find my voice. “These insinuations and accusations are getting pretty old. If I’m happy and I tell you everything is fine, why do you keep pushing?”
Leave me alone. Leave us alone.
“Well, Destiny, let’s circle back to what I told you. I live and breathe for my patients. If I think someone is being abused by their caregiver or family member, it’s my duty—”
“Abused?” My voice is shrill and dripping with disgust. “Those people in that group therapy room are being or have been abused by their own family members. Why aren’t you in there helping them? I’m literally telling you I’m fine and you don’t believe me.”
“Destiny, calm down, hon.”
I rise to my feet, shaking my head. “I didn’t kiss him. He’s not inappropriate with me. No one is hurting me at home. Please stop asking. I like coming to this clinic, but it’s starting to get uncomfortable for me.”
She sighs in frustration. “Please. Let’s talk about this some more.”
My phone jingles with an incoming text from Rowdy. I don’t dare ask my phone to read it to me aloud and prove her case to her.
“My ride is here,” I say as I head for the door. “See you next week. I hope this will all be behind us by then.”
It takes everything in me not to slam the door behind me.
* * *
* * *
As I wait for our cheeseburgers, I read Wild’s text.
Wild: Holy shit. Why am I just now finding out Evan is a suspect?
Me: what do you mean
Wild: Don’t play coy. Dad told me everything after Talia left this afternoon. He also said Uncle Will had Evan brought in for questioning earlier.
I guess Will decided to do what was right. It’s still weird to think of Evan as a possible killer.
Me: i can’t see him doing that shit though
Wild: I can. He’s a devious fucker. See, this is why I want to become a cop. To take down scum like my cousin.
Me: but your going back to college so i guess you will be a football star instead no handcuffs for you
Wild: You’re. And I’m working on it. I’ll tell Dad. Maybe this summer. You’ll be the first one I arrest, sister fucker.
It takes me far too long to locate the middle finger emojis to send to him. I pocket my phone to free up my hands. Plus, I’m done talking to his stupid ass.
“Rowdy,” the cashier calls out. “Here you go.”
I thank the lady, grab our bag of burgers, and scoop up the carrier with our milkshakes. Destiny and Scout are waiting eagerly in the truck for my return. After passing her the food, I climb into the warm truck. It snowed. Again. Snow is pretty back home, but here, everyone drives on it, turning it to gray sludge. In town, it’s just annoying.
“Guess what,” I say as I peck my sister on the cheek. “Wild texted me.”
“About?”
“They brought Evan in for questioning.”
She releases a long hiss of breath. “Are you serious? This is amazing news.”
Her lips find mine and she kisses me deeply. The relief for my safety is palpable. It’s cute that Destiny thinks I’m some fragile thing in her world. I know she can’t see, but damn. I’m like twice as big as she is, maybe even more. If anyone should worry about getting hurt, it would be her. She fumbles around life, essentially in the dark, with her cane and the World’s Okayest Service Animal. It’s a wonder she’s still around to tell the tale.
Scout whimpers and nudges the paper sack. Destiny giggles against my lips before pulling away to feed her pitiful dog. Eager to get back to the RV to spend some time with her, I pull the truck back onto the road. My sister hands me an unwrapped burger and I eat while I drive. We both laugh as she attempts to feed me fries. Since she can’t see, she pokes me once in the eye and once in the ear. It’s a total fail, but it makes me happy.
By the time we get back to the Knox cabin, we’ve polished off most of the food and given Scout the rest. He darts out of the truck the second I get the door open. All that grease must’ve given him the shits.
I help Destiny out of the truck and grin at how well she uses her cane to make her way to the RV. Since Wild’s truck is gone, I shoot him another text as we walk inside the RV.
Me: where are you at
Wild: Went with the fam to see my grandparents before I go back to school. Be back soon.
A thrill shoots down my spine. Are we really alone for a while?
Me: give me a time frame please
Wild: Dez told me you only need thirty seconds.
Me: shut the fuck up I need forty five
Wild: You’re an idiot. I still think you’re sick as shit over this.
Me: your and your. your welcome
Wild: I fucking can’t with you. We’ll be back within the hour.
Good thing I only need forty-five seconds. I smirk and then I chase down my girl.
Someone bangs on the RV door, making me and Destiny both nearly jump out of our skin. After sex, we cleaned up and were just laid up in bed chatting about Scout. I’m glad we weren’t careless enough to lie around naked. I pass by the sink full of Wild’s dishes, shaking my head. For once, I’d like for him to do them instead of waiting on me. Scout runs past me, barking his head off at the door. At least he’s good for something around here besides eating and farting.
“You don’t have to knock,” I say when I fling open the RV door. “You live here too and you’re just riling up the dog.” The smile on my face vanishes and a chill dances down my spine as the outside air whips inside. “What are you doing here?”
Scout barks at him, but it’s not an angry sound. His tail is even wagging. Traitor.
Evan, with hands in his pockets and a sheepish smile on his face, shrugs. “Needed to talk to you. Alone.”
Fuck that.
I wonder how quickly I can get to one of the knives in the sink.
“You need to leave,” I grind out, crossing my arms over my chest and blocking the doorway. “Now.”
He winces at my harsh words. “Ouch. You really do hate me.”
Is he just now realizing this?
“Yes, Evan, I do. Now get the fuck out.”
“Who’s here?” Destiny asks, using her cane as she comes down the hall. “Evan?”
Evan uses my distraction to dart past me and throws himself into a seat at the table. Our traitor dog hops into his lap to get scratches behind the ear. “You should close that door. It’s cold outside.”
Unbelievable.
“You want to have this conversation?” I growl as I slam the door closed. “Fine.” Then, to Destiny, I say, “You should go in the other room.” Where it’s safe.
“And leave you alone? With him?” she spits out, shooting a nasty expression Evan’s way. She’s fierce and protective. A Jamison through and through. “I’ll stay.”
Evan smirks at her as if he’s amused by her presence. I don’t like them being in the same room together.
“Talked to my dad today.” His smile twists into a familiar sneer that makes my blood run cold. “What kind of lies did you feed him?”
“I didn’t say shit.” I roll my head on my neck in an attempt to loosen my tense muscles. “Is that why you’re here?”
“No, I came to murder you,” he deadpans.
Destiny sucks in a sharp breath. This sends Evan into a fit of roaring laughter, which then sets Scout off. He gets the zoomies, jumps off Evan’s lap, and then proceeds to run back and forth down the hallway, barking the whole time. Destiny manages to stop him when he passes, and pets him in an attempt to calm him down.
“Fuck off,” I mutter. “You didn’t come to murder me.”
“What?” Evan says in a mocking tone. “I thought you for sure told my dad all about our sordid history and then threw me under the bus for these murders.”
I lean against the counter with my hip, boring my hard stare into him. “We both know you’re not a murderer. Predator, yes. Master manipulator, sure. But killer? Nah.”
Evan drags his eyes over to Destiny, studying her intently. I don’t like the way he inspects her, especially when she doesn’t know. Clearing my throat, I draw his attention back to me. If I can stall him, Wild and his family will be back. Evan won’t act like a dick in front of them.
“They didn’t have anything to hold me on,” Evan says, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m pissed Dad could even think I’d be capable of such a thing.”
“Everyone knows you’re not right in the head,” I tell him, tapping at my temple. “Especially those closest to you.”
His lips thin out, and again, I find him eyeing my sister. It unnerves me. She’s crouched down, petting the dog. What’s so fucking interesting to him about that?
“So you came here to bitch me out for something I didn’t do?” I demand, inching closer to Destiny because Evan makes me uneasy as fuck. “You wasted a trip, man.”
When I get close to Destiny, I touch her head, offering comfort for her not to worry. Naturally, Evan’s eyes cut over to where my hand is. His nostrils flare and the familiar jealousy he wears like a second skin burns bright.
“That’s not all I wanted to discuss,” he clips out, unable to keep his glare off my oblivious sister. “I wanted to discuss us.”
Destiny rises to her feet at that. I slide my palm to her lower back.
“There is no us, Evan. There never was.”
“Come on,” he says, chuckling darkly. “You know that’s not true. You fucking worshipped me.”
It sickens me knowing he preyed on me. I was young and impressionable. Evan swooped in, befriended me, and then took me on a journey to hell. It’s a miracle I made it out of his grip.
“You’re a rapist,” Destiny hisses. “And you should leave.”
Evan’s eyes narrow on her and then he arches an eyebrow at me. “Interesting.”
I stiffen, not liking that he’s figuring out the relationship between me and Destiny. We’re not exactly great at hiding it and he’s always been hyper perceptive when it comes to me. It’s a power I don’t want him to wield over me.
“You know that was the drugs, right?” Evan says, giving me his best puppy dog expression. “I’m better now. The man I was when the drugs took hold of me is not the man I am at my core.” He darts his gaze over to Destiny and then back to me, a sadistic grin on his face. “Do you think about me when you come?”
I knew Evan didn’t have it in him to kill anyone. He likes to toy with his victims too much. Abusing them is a lot more fun to him. Drawing out their pain and suffering for his own enjoyment is what he’s good at. Killing them would be too abrupt for him. What he’s doing right now is what he gets off on. I can almost bet he’s hard as fuck right now, too.
At once, that thought might’ve sent heat burning down my spine. All I feel is disgust toward a man I once loved. The need to protect Destiny from him is stronger than any hold he ever had over me.
“I’m going to call Uncle Atticus,” Destiny threatens. “He’ll make you leave.”
Evan jerks to his feet so fast it spooks Scout and he barks angrily at him. Out of instinct, I step in front of Destiny. She’s too brave for her own good, though, and darts around me, her stick swooping the space in front of her.
“Or maybe we should call the cops,” she says, lifting her chin. “Maybe they won’t arrest you for all those murders, but threatening an ex-boyfriend whom you raped and drugged is a good way to go to jail. Leave or we’ll make you.”
Evan’s lips curl into a wide grin. It’s a grin I saw a time or two when he would get particularly cruel. My entire being wilts and my skin crawls. I hate his effect on me.
“Sure thing, tough girl.” Then, with lightning quick speed, he snatches her cane from her grip. “Oh no! What will you do without this?”
