Page 163 of Cruel Steps

Holden nudged my chin with his knuckle, and I knew I’d endure anything the bullies had to throw at me. I would win Homecoming Queen. It might not mean anything to me, but it meant something to a lot of other people on campus. If they needed me to be their voice, then I would. Together, we’d be stronger, louder, and unable to be ignored.

CHAPTER

FORTY-EIGHT

EMERSON

The Uber pulled into the driveway, and I barely stayed still until it stopped. The second it was stationary I took off. The door opened simultaneously, and a leggy brunette climbed out. We collide in a hug and squeals.

“You’re here!”

“Mer! I’ve missed you so much!”

We jumped up and down, squealing at each other as we hugged. Holden grabbed her suitcase from the trunk, and the car pulled away, leaving us in front of my house.

“Taylor, this is Holden,” I introduced once we were done hugging.

“Oh, I remember you, Mr. Sexy Stare. It’s good to meet you,” Taylor said, offering her hand.

Holden smirked, taking her hand. “It’s nice to meet someone who means so much to Wildcat.”

“Wildcat,” she mouthed to me, fanning herself. I rolled my eyes, but internally, I loved it. Taylor had been a great friend to me, and I’d missed her so much. We’d kept in touch via text, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her. “Where’s the other one?” she asked as we headed inside.

“He should be here soon. Classes were canceled for Homecoming, but he still had to work.”

“Yes! Homecoming court! How have the rest of the festivities been?” she asked, following me into the house.

“I’ll set this in your room,” Holden said, kissing me on the cheek.

Taylor’s eyes glittered with amusement as he walked off. My cheeks heated, so I grabbed two bottles of water out of the fridge and led her out to the pool. It was sunny out, so it wasn’t too cold to sit outside today. We took a seat on the big lounger, the same one I’d made into my second home over the summer. So many things had changed since then that it was hard to believe it was the same year.

“Festivities… right. The food drive went well. The other court nominees have suddenly been super nice to me.” I rolled my eyes, and Taylor laughed. “There was another Zeta issue during parade prep, but Mandy told them they’d be banned from Homecoming moving forward if there was one more infraction against their house. Surprisingly, since then, they have been angels. Holden and I have obtained the most points from all the events so far. There’s still the parade tomorrow before the game and the actual vote, but the points go a long way.”

“You’re gonna win, Mer. I have a feeling.”

I shrugged. “It feels possible. Something I didn’t believe would ever happen.”

“I did.” Taylor nudged me with her shoulder. “It’s about time everyone else discovers how awesome you are.”

“It’s surreal how different groups on campus have chosen me as their champion. At first, I felt overwhelmed by it all—I still do, actually—but I realized I wasn’t alone anymore. I couldn’t care less about winning, but I want to for them—to show all the mean girls that beauty isn’t skin deep.”

“Hell, yeah!” Taylor shouted, throwing her arm in the air, and we laughed.

“Emerson, oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.” Hope stood awkwardly staring at us. A flashback of that first day raced across my mind when she’d confidently stared at me. It was such a contrast to how she was now.

“Hope, this is my best friend, Taylor. She’s in from Brighton for the weekend.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Not sure I can say the same,” Taylor said, eyeing her.

“No, I don’t suppose you can.” Hope straightened her spine, some of her confidence returning. I had to give it to her. She owned her faults.

“Hmm.” Taylor studied her. “If Mer can give you a second chance, I’ll follow her lead. But don’t think I won’t cut a bitch if they step across that line.”

Hope nodded. “That’s fair. I’m glad Emerson had you as a friend. She deserved one.” Her eyes fell on me. “Mom wanted me to remind you she wants pictures tonight of everyone at the dinner so not to run off before she gets them.”

“Got it. I’ll corral Holden and Colter.”

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