Page 53 of My Ruthless Neighbor

I swallow thickly. “I won’t open the door. No matter what.” This is the part I hate the most.

“Good girl.” She kisses my forehead before wiping my tears.

“I hate colors, mommy.” My chin trembles.

“But I love colors, darling. You know why?” She sits me on her lap.

When I shake my head, she begins, “They give me strength. Seeing you covered in them reminds me why I shouldn’t give up.” Her green gaze strays in the direction of the bathroom where I have seen her hiding colorful pills.

I touch her face and bring her eyes back to me.

“You are my sun, Summer. You shine so bright, my baby girl. When you are dressed in colors, it makes me forget my ugly reality. When I see your beautifully unique eyes, it brings me comfort. You keep me going.”

My heart hurts when her tear lands on my cheek. “If you love it so much… I’ll always wear them for you, mommy.”

She gives me one of her sad smiles. “Pinky promise?”

She holds out her pinky finger. I curl mine against hers. “Pinky promise.”

My eyes fly open when someone knocks on the door.

Sniffling, I say, “Coming.”

The five-year-old me never understood why my mother used to find strength in colors. Now I do. It’s easier to fool yourself than to face the reality.

The colors not only make me happy, but they also make me feel as if my mom is still here.

I dig in my handbag and retrieve my floral red collar scarf. I quickly put it on.

This time when I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I am not sad anymore.

I have my colors with me. I haveher.

???

Evening shifts are the worst. Although this restaurant is new, it has garnered great reviews from patrons and established itself as one of the best places in the city to dine.

People have to wait for weeks to get a table in this gorgeous and posh restaurant. So, the dining room is always packed.

After swimming for hours, standing and waiting tables in high heels is a punishment straight from hell.

Two hours into my shift and my limbs are already screaming in pain.

Can I go home already? I want my bed and Goldie.

I face-timed with the dog sitter before starting my shift but it was not enough. I miss him. A lot.

This was the reason I never had pets.

I never wanted to get emotionally attached to anyone. Even animals. Because before you know it, they become your weakness.

After losing Mom and getting placed in a shitty foster home, I vowed to never let anyone close.

Raleigh was my only friend growing up and he was enough. Until Goldie and River.

In such a small period, they both have become a part of my life.

River and I talk daily on the phone. I am still unaware of the problems in her marriage. But it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that she is not happy.

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