Page 55 of Mine to Take

Her words are like a gut punch.

“No, she never mentioned it,” I mumble, fingers drifting to the necklace before tightening around the silver W pendant that hangs from it. For some odd reason, it makes the tension attempting to flood my system dissipate. Maybe not completely, but enough to stop my brain from spiraling with fear.

“I’m sure she’ll mention it at dinner.”

I can’t help but notice the way Ryder wraps his hand around my sister’s fingers before giving them a gentle squeeze. She glances at him, and some of the concern marring her expression melts away.

It only makes me feel lonelier.

Isolated.

With an irritated huff, I close my eyes and allow my head to fall back against the seat. I just want to forget about the crap that’s been swirling around inside my brain like a chaotic storm.

The constant concern I have that Mom is one step away from a relapse.

If that happens, it’s doubtful we’ll come out of another battle unscathed.

Then there’s my changing relationship with Ryder.

And my English grade that’s now in the shitter, jeopardizing whether I get ice time, which in turn could affect my future.

Last but not least, there’s the elusive girl who continues to haunt my thoughts like a specter.

The very same one who belongs to River fucking Thompson.

17

Willow

“Good job, Eric. I think you’re really starting to understand the concepts. Same time next week?”

“Thanks. But that’s only because you’re amazing at analyzing text and explaining it in a way that makes sense. Dr. Moore could take a few pointers from you.”

Heat floods my cheeks as I tuck an errant lock of hair behind my ear. “Yeah…you probably shouldn’t tell him that. I doubt it would end well for either of us.”

With a snort, he flashes a grin. “It can be our little secret.” With his books held tightly against his chest, he sidles closer. “Um, I was wondering?—”

Stacie pokes her head into the room where we’ve been working. “Hey, Willow. Are you busy?”

Eric shoots her a frown.

“Nope. We were just finishing up. Right, Eric?”

His shoulders sink. “Yeah. We’re done here.” He takes a step toward Stacie, one of the other students who works at the tutoring center, before shooting me another look. “See you next week, Willow.”

I lift my hand in a wave. “Bye.”

Stacie smirks as he slides past. We both wait a beat or two until the outside door closes with a resounding thud.

“One of these days, you’re going to have to rip the Band-Aid off and admit that you’re not interested.”

A sigh escapes from me as I massage my temples. “I know.”

“It’s been a month and he still hasn’t lost interest. And didn’t he show up to your session last week with your favorite iced coffee?”

“Yeah. The weird thing is that I don’t even remember mentioning how much I love iced mochas.” The edges of my lips wilt. “It would be so much easier if he found someone else. That’s going to be such an awkward convo.”

A chuckle escapes from her. “Boo hoo. Let me get out my tiny violin. Someone has a crush on Willow.”

---