Page 39 of Cruel Steps

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

EMERSON

I grabbed a coffee and muffin from the college coffee bar and sat under a tree in the quad. It was quiet with students in class, so I soaked up the silence, letting my mind calm. The longer I sat outside, the better I felt, and I slowly returned to my normal state.

The cuts on my hands and arms stung. I hadn’t felt them at the time. Running my fingers over the small nicks, I basked in the pain. For once, my outward appearance matched how I felt on the inside. I wouldn’t inflict any wounds on myself, but I understood why people did it now.

Remembering how Holden had taken care of them confused me. It hadn’t felt like a tactic, but what else could it be? He admitted I was the enemy. Ignoring that clusterfuck, I pulled out my notebook to review my notes and found Cody’s message on a blank page.

If you ever want to talk, I’m a good listener—no judgment—Cody.

Plugging his number into my phone, I hesitated, but decided to go for it.

Emerson: Hey

Cody: Emerson?

Emerson: Yeah

Cody: You okay?

Emerson: No. But I will be.

Emerson: Thanks for not stealing my stuff.

Cody: I plan to copy your homework, so it wouldn’t benefit me to steal from you.

Emerson: Good to know, homework thief.

Cody: I believe it’s called ‘group project.’

Emerson: I knew there was a reason I hated that word.

I laughed. Cody made it easy, and I liked that about him. I was glad he hadn’t turned out to be a typical douchey jock.

Cody: I have football practice every afternoon, but we can meet after.

Cody: Which dorm do you live in? Or, since you’re an upperclassman, do you live off-campus?

Emerson: I live off campus, but it’s not in Darlington.

Emerson: What time is your practice over? I have a dance team practice later.

Cody: Well, damn, girl. Holding out on me. Didn’t know I was talking to a Wolfette.

Emerson: That’s because I’m not. Not really. I’m the alternate.

Emerson: Which means I get to be Wolfie.

Cody: That’s badass.

Cody: My buddy said the dance team practices next to the football field. I can grab you after.

Emerson: Sure. Thanks again for bringing my stuff.

Emerson: And for holding Colter back. I did need space.

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