Page 18 of Voice to Raise
The light turned green, and I advanced into the intersection—after looking both ways. “Yeah? Do you know the amount of greenhouse gases a Zamboni emits?”
“Nope, but I’m certain you can tell me. I’m a left up ahead.”
We’d discussed where we lived at some point, and she’d said near Victoria Drive and First Avenue.
Completely in the opposite direction from my house, but I didn’t care.Not like I have anywhere else to be.
When she’d asked about me, I’d vaguely pointed west and saidthat way. In truth, Arbutus Ridge was one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Vancouver—and that was saying something. People made certain assumptions when they heard where I lived. So I just didn’t tell them. Seemed easier that way.
“Right here, and I’m the third house.”
I followed her directions and pulled up before a stately turn-of-the-last-century home. Painted funky purple with light-green accents.Oh, okay. Boho chic?“This looks nice.”
“It’s a room I can afford. There are ten of us, but I get my own bedroom, so that’s nice. Better than Chilliwack.”
I cocked my head.
“Oh, Cedar Valley’s nice and all, but getting from the Wack into Vancouver’s pretty brutal if you don’t have a car. And my parents were never willing to lend me theirs. I came here for college—media studies—and I just kind of stayed.”
“But you graduated.” She’d mentioned that in one of our conversations.
“Yeah, but getting a paid job is tough these days. In my field of study, anyway. I make way more as an influencer.”
I understood the words she spoke, but their meaning escaped me. I didn’t understand how influencers made money at all. Product endorsements paidthatmuch?
“Well, it’s nice of you to help with TLIO.”
My wipers were running at full speed, and I could barely see the house.This is nuts.
“Looks good on my résumé. I’m going to land a paying job at a nonprofit or something one of these days. I even have plans to get my own apartment.”
Good luck with that.Rents were insane in this city. Buying was even crazier—although not by much. I knew how lucky I was…but still resented having everything handed to me at the same time. I’d give it all back to have my parents still alive. “Well, have fun tonight.”
“I will. Let me know if you get footage of the concert.” She pecked my cheek and was gone before I could respond.
Once she was inside the house, I double-checked behind me, and pulled into traffic.
And drove slowly home.
Chapter Five
Spencer
“What are you staring at?” Through one slitted eye, I faced my demon.
Well, my rescue cat Moses.
Who, for the record, I hadn’t named.
I always felt obliged to explain that to people. Not just because I didn’t want them to think I was religious—because I wasn’t. But also because I didn’t want folks thinking he was more special than he was.
Indolently, he licked his paw.
He’s a legend in his own mind.
I scratched behind his ear.
He nuzzled against my hand and started to purr.
