Page 42 of Cruel Steps

Heart in my throat, I chose mercy and didn’t glance at Holden. There was no way I could handle seeing him flirt openly with any of the girls who’d been cruel to me.

“I heard if you need someone to rock your world, he’s the guy to do it,” Jenny whispered.

“What? Who?” I glanced at her and followed her line of sight. It was on Colter.

“The tight-end. He’s like some kind of gigolo, without the payment part. He never dates anyone for more than one date, but leaves you so satisfied that you don’t even care. There’s even a rumor that once you’ve taken a ride, you become a bride. Not sure how true that is, but it’s what girls are saying.”

Color leached from my face, and I could feel a panic attack coming on. I had to get out of here. Picking up my bag, I jerked when an arm landed around my shoulders.

“It’s just me,” Cody said. “Walk with me.”

I relaxed and let him guide me away from the crowd. It wasn’t until we were in front of the athletic complex that I could finally breathe.

“There are some days I hate being me,” I whispered. It was my private shame, a truth I held close to the chest. But I didn’t have anything left to keep it at bay.

“I know we were going to study, but how about we grab food and you tell me about today?”

I nodded, wiping tears away. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

He grimaced. “Do you have a car?”

I laughed and nodded. “Yeah. I got ya.”

“I hit the jackpot befriending you. A hot older girl with a car on my first day! The rest of the year’s gotta lot to prove.”

“You’re ridiculous.” He gave me a big grin. Somehow, I knew he wasn’t hitting on me, but it felt nice to hear.

When we got to my car, I was amazed to find the rose massacre cleaned up. I guess Hayward took their lawn maintenance seriously.

“Sweet ride.” Cody whistled when I popped the trunk. I shrugged, not understanding the appeal, but guys always commented on it.

“It’s just a car.”

“It’s just a car,” he scoffed. “Yeah, okay, and the Mona Lisa is just a painting.”

“I mean, it is. Have you seen it? It’s just a woman.”

Cody’s jaw hung open, and I laughed. “Next, you’re gonna tell me you think the northern lights are just stars.”

“Never. Those are sacred. It was one of the last vacations I had with my mom.”

“Thank fuck. I was worried our budding friendship was about to die.” I rolled my eyes at his dramatics, but I’d already forgotten about the comments on the field. “Now, about this car you say is just a car. This, my dancing queen, is an Audi…”

Cody continued to lecture me about my car the whole way to the restaurant. I nodded along, smiled, and promised to let him drive it someday. But under no circumstances did I tell him it was more than a car.

“Fuck yes!” he shouted when he saw where I’d pulled up to.

“Fan of tacos?”

“Duh. It’s up there with your car on things I love.”

“I forgive you for all the car comments, then.”

Cody laughed, and we walked into the small restaurant. Tacos Socat was a local college spot, but since it was early, it wasn’t full of Hayward students yet. Popular music played overhead, and I bopped along to it as we waited in line. We both ordered a taco sampler and took our water to a table in the back.

“All right, babe, spill the tea. Give Cody all the deets.”

I sighed and picked up a taco, taking one heavenly bite before telling him my long, sordid history with Hope, meeting Holden, and finally, Colter. I didn’t leave anything out. I told him things I hadn’t even shared with Taylor. I wanted to feel embarrassed, but Cody had a way of making me say things I thought I’d take to my grave and be okay with it.

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