Page 20 of Cruel Steps

After a month of reconnaissance, Hope’s life wasn’t as great as I always believed. I’d been envious of something that held no value to me. I’d blamed her for taking things from me, but I hadn’t ever fought back. If a vending machine always gave out free soda, then you’d keep going back to the same vending machine for free soda. I’d made it so simple for her.

It didn’t excuse her behavior. What she’d done to me was wrong. I just wished I’d stood up to her sooner. Unfortunately, losing my mom and dealing with grief as a young girl hadn’t been a great combination. It might not be the healthiest motivation, but avenging my name and making Hope suffer had given me the kick in the butt I needed.

Wallowing all summer hadn’t been productive, and I’d let myself be miserable, expecting my father to fix everything. Granted, it was his mistake, but it was my life. Much as I hated to admit it, Holden was right in the sense I’d been spoiled. He’d just assumed it in the wrong way.

My dad had provided and taken care of me for my whole life to the point it felt foreign to do it on my own. But having this purpose, skewed as it was, gave me a reason to get up and do things differently. I didn’t realize how directionless I’d been until now.

Stepping out of the shower, I gasped when I spotted the message in the mirror, my face flaming with embarrassment.

“Keep telling yourself that, Wildcat. You’re welcome for the orgasm. Try not to scream my name so loud next time. You’ll wake the whole house.”

Humiliation quickly switched to rage, and I grabbed the one washcloth I’d left and wiped the mirror clear, moving over to write a new message in the steam. Grinning, I wished I could set up a camera to watch his face when he read this, but even I could admit that was crossing a boundary.

“Since you like to steal things, I’ve removed all the towels and left you a washcloth, since it’s all you need to cover yourself.”

Feeling vindicated, I dried my hair before pulling it up into a high ponytail. I dressed in leggings and a long tank top, with my dance clothes underneath. Glancing at my reflection, I recognized the confidence I’d lost. It irked me that Hope had been the catalyst to restore it, but I’d ignore that and focus on the fact it was back.

On the drive to Hayward, my phone rang, and I knew I couldn’t avoid it any longer. Hitting answer, I braced for impact at the shouting that was about to occur.

“Emerson Michelle Adams! You have a lot of explaining to do. I was this close to sending a search party.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” I sighed, turning on my blinker and parking. This was not a call I wanted to have while driving. “It’s not an excuse, but my dad told me some bad news at the beginning of the summer, and instead of being a grownup about it and finding a solution, I’ve been wallowing in self-pity.” Damn. I really hadn’t done myself any favors. No wonder Holden thought I was pampered.

“Who do I need to kill?” she asked, switching gears.

I laughed, already feeling better. I didn’t deserve Taylor, but I was glad I had her all the same.

“No one. Well, maybe.”

“Explain. Therapist Tay is here to slay.”

“You’re not a therapist, Tay, but that’s a badass slogan.”

“Right? And I’m in school to be one. Same difference.”

“Pretty sure it’s not,” I argued, laughing.

“Quit stalling. Tell. Me. Everything.”

Twenty minutes later, I’d filled her in on the night with Holden, my dad’s news, how I’d spent my summer, and then the bombshell that not only was my bully, now my step-sibling, but was the best sex of my life.

“Damn, Emmy?—”

“Er, can we not? It’s a whole thing.”

“Sure thing, Emerson. Ew. No. I can’t do the full name thing. Em? Emer? Son?”

“How about Mer?” I smiled at the reminder of Colter.

“Mer! Totally dig it. Okay, so what are you doing about school?”

I spent another ten minutes telling her about my diabolical plan to show everyone the monster Hope was while attending Hayward and finding a way back to Brighton in the spring.

“Mm ‘kay. Or, hear me out… You stay.”

“What? Why would you suggest that? I don’t want to be here! Won’t you miss me?”

“Always, boo. Our friendship isn’t conditional. I’ll always be your bestie, even if I’m halfway across the world.” Her voice softened.

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