Page 47 of SNOB

“That’s my job, Emmy. We have to watch out for each other. It’s just us.”

“Is it just us?” The cupboard door slams when I close it. “Or is it me and an alcoholic?”

Silence.

Fuck.

“That’s low, man.” It is. Especially when I was in our shower with the enemy.

“Well, lucky for you, I’ll spend the rest of my time at Saint Bons in different housing.”

“Ember, what?” Uncle Jake moves in front of me. “Run that by me again?”

Those eyes make mine soften, seeing my dad in them. I always do. “It's only for a bit.” And I can’t believe I’m saying that. Am I agreeing to Mac’s wishes?

“I don’t know, Emmy.” Uncle Jake scratches his beard. “Your dad would flip.” He laughs, but I know he doesn’t think it’s funny.

“Well, Dad’s not here.” I must be tired, my words coming with a bite. “And neither are you. Time away from The Valley will be good for me. I’ll be closer to campus and won't have to travel hours every day.” His shoulders fall, telling me I’ve made a good point. And looking around our dusty, cluttered trailer, this looks more like the right move. “Dad would want me to take my chances. To lean into opportunity. You can’t hold me back from that.”

“Ember, I want you to be happy.” Uncle Jake puts his hands on my shoulders. “You’re acting like the adult you are and have every right to do what you want. These rich folks though? They always want something in return.”

Ever feel like someone’s watching you?

Everywhere you go. Everything you do.

I’ll be able to keep an eye on you.

I guess he meant literally because I feel like he’s there, everywhere I go. I can even smell him. Tobacco. Leather. Mint. It’s all-encompassing. Like the monster under your bed ready to pop out and grab you at any moment.

Despite his looming presence, he’s hardly said a word to me after dropping me off at The Grand Emerald a few days ago. I hardly had time to pack when Mac showed up that morning. Uncle Jake and I spent all night watching hockey highlights and I already miss him.

Unck J: Please, be careful, Emmy.

Grand in Grand Emerald is an understatement. I’ve upgraded from a mattress on milk-crates to a luxury suite with a living area, bedroom and kitchen. It's decorated with trendy furniture and luxurious fixtures, overlooking The Hill and SBU. Hell, I’d be lying if it wasn’t the best sleep I’ve had in… ever.

It’s an easy walk to campus from my suite, making up for the times I’ve been late to class. Mac even had groceries delivered while room service is at my full disposal. It all feels surreal and I can’t help but ask myself what the catch is.

“They always want something in return.”

“Hey, Ember.” I’m surprised when Greta approaches me on the way to the rink mid-week. I haven’t seen her since this place was crawling with cops. They’re not around much anymore. I guess seeing me convulse like a psychopath made them have sympathy.

Or did Mac handle it? Whatever that means.

“Greta,” I respond. She hasn’t spoken to me since that day and it’s not that I don’t trust her. She’s the one that got me in this place. But I’m not interested in fake friends.

So what’s Mac?

Whispers have died down the further we get from Beau’s disappearance. Some say he went off the rails. Some say he got sick of Paradise Hill and left. But the ones that still say I did it? I hear that loud and clear.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so distant,” Greta says, her black sweater-vest tucked into a leather skirt. “I thought I’d check-in anyway. Mostly because I keep hearing that you and Mac are hanging out. Is that true?”

“Don’t worry, keep as much distance as you’d like.” When I turn towards Greta she steps back. Is she afraid? Does she also think I have something to do with Beau? “I won’t get in your way.”

“So you are still hanging out with Mac.” She purses her lips as if she’s disappointed. “Is is true you're shacking up at The Emerald together?”

Is that what people are saying? “So what?” It’s not true but I don’t deny it. “It’s not like I have anyone else to rely on.”

“Ember, it’s not that easy for me. You came in here and things got… weird.” You’re telling me. “I need a clear path to graduation. I can’t have distractions and, you’re a big one.”

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