Page 90 of A Sinner's Saint

“Anyone who walks away from you is a fucking idiot.” Dash winks. “Now, back to this new friend of yours. Scarlett? When are we seeing her again?”

“I’llbe seeing her tomorrow. Want me to find out her relationship status?”

“Please do.” Dash nods.

“Okay, I need to go home. So, I guess I’ll just see you later? I’m sure you have a lot of other things you need to be doing.”

“Actually, I’m free. Let’s go.” Dash wraps an arm around my shoulders and starts leading us towards the car park.

“Okay, then. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. My mum will be home and she’s… sad,” I tell him.

“Sad? Why?”

“My dad cheated on her, left her, and now they’re divorcing.” I check my phone but there are still no messages from Vin.

“He’ll be fine, you know,” Dash says.

“I know,” I lie.

When Dash pulls into my driveway thirty-five minutes later, I send up a little prayer that my mother isn’t on the sofa crying and eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She’s getting better. I only find her like that maybe once a week now.

Unlocking the front door, Dash is right behind me. “Mum, I’m home.” I call out. “I’m not alone, so I really hope you’re decent.”

“I don’t.” Dash chuckles, and then moans when my elbow connects with his stomach. “Argh, fuck.”

“That’s my mum, dude. Just…no.” I set my bag down before leading Dash through to the kitchen, where I can hear my mum banging around. “Hey, what’s going on?” I ask, finding the counters covered in everything that used to fill the cabinets.

“Oh, shit, I didn’t hear you come in, sweetie.” Mum blows at the loose hair covering her face.

“Ah, yeah. This is my friend. Dash.” I point to Dash, who is now privy to the insanity of my mother.

“Oh, finally. I can’t believe you’re bringing a boy home, Camile, and he’s so handsome. Hi, I’m Katrina, Cammi’s mum. You’ll have to excuse the mess. Spring cleaning and all,” Mum says.

“Mum, it’s summer,” I remind her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Taylor. Although I would have picked you for Cammi’s sister, not her mother.” Dash holds out a hand, charm wafting off him in waves.

“Oh, I like you.” Mum smiles. “So, what are you two kids up to anyway?”

“Oh, no, Dash is a friend, Mum. Aplatonicfriend,” I emphasise.

“I’ve heard friends make the best lovers. They’re always generous.” Mum winks at me.

“Gross, Mum.” I turn to Dash. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. She’s not wrong,” he says. “Although I like to keep my heart in my chest, so platonic is all we’re ever going to be. Sorry, princess.”

“I’m ordering pizza, Dash. You’re staying for dinner?”

“I’d love to. Thanks, Mrs Taylor.”

“It’s Katrina,” Mum corrects him.

“I’m going to go shower quickly. Mum, don’t embarrass me,” I plead before turning back to Dash. “And I warned you. So, well, you’re on your own.”

As the sky got darker, so did my mood. Dash refused to leave and he’s currently sitting on my bed, while I’m curled up on the sofa, pretending to read a book. I can’t focus on the pages. All I can think is…

It’s happening again. He’s not coming back.

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