Page 174 of Cruel Steps

“I don’t see Hope,” Holden mumbled. We both waved to our parents. Rose snapped pictures, and I blushed. It had been so long since I had a parent be active in my life. My father had tried, but it wasn’t his strong suit, and I didn’t fault him for that. Having Rose include me was a gift I hadn’t known I needed.

“Is that Hope?” I asked, pointing ahead to the corner. Her back was to us, but I’d spent years harnessing my ability to spot her in a crowd. Her hands were moving wide as she argued with someone. They were too far back for me to make out who they were. Holden squinted, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene.

“Fuck.”

He jumped off the float before I could stop him. The dais wobbled at the force, and I held onto the bar so I wouldn’t topple off. Holden marched a straight path to Hope, wrapping his arm around her and lifting her up. He pointed aggressively at the person, his face murderous. I couldn’t make out what he said before our float turned the corner, taking them out of view. Worry seeped in, and I tried to focus on the parade.

“Mer! Mer! Mer!” the crowd shouted, gaining my attention. I lifted my hand and waved. A minute later, the flatbed trailer dipped, voices carrying up to me.

“Put me down, Holden. I’m fine!” Hope protested.

Holden ignored her, setting her at the front where the truck pulling us would cover her.

“Stay, Hope. I mean it. Don’t think I won’t run after you if you jump off.”

She huffed, crossed her arms, and turned her head away from him. Holden waited a beat before jumping up on the platform where I stood.

“Who—”

“Later,” Holden said, cutting me off.

I nodded; my face was red with embarrassment. Logically, I knew he wasn’t angry with me. It was clearly about the person who’d been talking to Hope, but the hurt girl who kept waiting for this all to be a joke took his harsh tone to heart. Tears pricked my eyes, so I turned to the crowd and prayed they couldn’t see them from afar.

“Shit. I’m sorry, Wildcat. It’s not you.” Holden turned my face back to him. His eyes were soft and remorseful. I sucked in a breath, and my lip trembled despite my desire to act unaffected.

“Sorry. Old wounds.”

“No, you have nothing to apologize for. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” He balled his fists at his side, his jaw ticking as he ground his teeth. “I wasn’t expecting to see him. He makes me so angry.”

My mind raced to make the connection. If it wasn’t Owen, then who… Oh.

“Your dad?”

He nodded, his gaze lost out into the crowd. “I haven’t seen him in years, and then he shows up here, attempting to con Hope. He’s nothing but a cancerous leech.”

I took his hand, threading our fingers, and squeezed. Holden squeezed back, his shoulders relaxing the further we moved from his father. His breaths evened out, and the tension left his body as our trailer came to a stop. Holden jumped off and then grabbed me around the waist and lifted me to the ground. Hope was already up and hobbling away on her brace.

Holden stared after her but didn’t chase. As long as she wasn’t near their father, he wouldn’t police her.

Mandy, the girl with the clipboard, and who I’d learned was the president of student activities, motioned us toward the stage. The other court nominees were gathered, and even the students, alumni, and townspeople had moved from the parade route to the front of the stage. Once we were all in line, the emcee picked up his mic.

“It’s been a wild ride this week as we’ve navigated through the ups and downs of Homecoming. The parade of floats was our last event before the crowning during halftime at tonight’s game against the Royals!”

“Awoo! Go, Wolves!” the crowd chanted.

“All votes were cast last night, and they will be added to the total points each contestant earned this week. I want to thank our court nominees for their good sportsmanship and school spirit. Being a Hayward Wolf is an honor and more than just winning games. Though, that is important.” The crowd laughed. “But we’re a community and want to give back to those who support us. This week, we raised forty thousand dollars from the date auction, food drive, and bowling for shoes. Every single one of you has shown up and supported our school and fellow Darlingtons. So, thank you! Now, get out of here! We’ve got a game to win!”

“Wolves! Wolves! Wolves!”

We descended the stage, the other court nominees waving as they parted to head to their sorority or fraternity groups scattered on the lawn. Taylor ran up to me, throwing her arms around me like she hadn’t seen me in forever.

“Mer! You’re such a babe. This school loves you!”

“Um, thanks?” I patted her back while she clung to me like a baby koala.

Colter laughed. “She might’ve had a little of the party juice floating around.”

“Ah.” She patted my hair, rocking me back and forth.

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