Page 39 of Come Break My Heart Again

“Got stuck listening to gossip about you, yeah. What are you doing with that dick, Elle?”

Instead of answering, she asks, “Why did you come back, Ryder?”

“Wasn’t my call.”

She takes a drink, and I experience a stupid thrill knowing we’re swapping spit.

“Was leaving?”

My jaw works a couple of times. I should lie. Instead, I admit, “No.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket again. I pull it out to see another unknown number.

“Hello?”

“Ryder?”

I recognize my little brother’s voice. “Cormac?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Can you come pick me up?”

I close my eyes. “Pick you up fromwhere?”

He’s supposed to be home. Asleep.

A pause.

Then, “The playground.”

“What the fu—hell are you doing there? It’s after eleven.”

“Don’t get mad, okay? Owen wanted to bike around, but I got a flat.”

I exhale. “Whose phone are you using?”

“Some kids were already hanging around here. Mav and them. He said he’ll stay until you get here. And he’ll take my bike in his truck.”

“Damnit, Cormac. I don’t … I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“ ’Kay. Thanks.”

I hang up and blow out another long breath. I thought my mom was exaggerating about Cormac’s behavior. Bailing him out isn’t much of a lesson, but I can’t just leave him there overnight to sleep in the mulch. I’m sure he left a lot out of his story. No way he just ended up there.

“Everything okay?” Elle asks quietly.

“I think so. Just Cormac making stupid choices.” I snuff out the cigarette, then glance at her. “You can say it.”

“I didn’t know you in middle school. Maybe you were a perfect angel.”

I huff a laugh. “Right. I gotta go find a ride so I can pick him up.”

“You can take my car.” She reaches into her pocket again and tosses me a set of keys. “It’s the red convertible.”

“Perfect for New England winters.”

Elle rolls her eyes. “It’s not snowing right now. You’ll be fine, Florida boy.”

“You’ve been gossiping about me, huh?”

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