Page 86 of Hide and Sneak
With a sigh, I set the phone down. He was my first thought when I woke. It looks like I was his too. I’m not sure what I want to do or say yet and I need to focus on getting some work done today.
Me
Tonight if you want.
Sutton
Okay. Your place or mine?
I’d rather have the option to leave if things don’t go well.
Me
I’ll come to yours. Did Amos leave?
Sutton
Yes, I’m taking my last load to my house now.
Me
I’ll see you tonight.
It’s a strange feeling, knowing I won’t be staying another night in the trailer after living there for over seven years. I was a terrified eighteen year old when I moved in and despite how crazy the place can be, it became my home faster than I ever imagined. Maren moved there right after I did, then Cara moved in as my roommate a few years later. My friends and neighbors became family. One that wanted and cared about me instead of only wanting something from me.
A text from Julian wanting to check if the last room he painted needs any final touchups gets me moving. Maren is stopping by later to discuss the Christmas party too. There’s lots to be done today. Despite the trouble with Sutton, the excitement of everything takes over and puts a smile on my face as I go downstairs to get things started.
He stays on my mind throughout the day though. When I take pictures of the huge challenge course being installed, he’s the one I want to send them to.
Maren can tell something is wrong when she joins me. She listens as I explain everything that went down last night. Some sex details are left out but I tell her Amos walked in with Sutton tied naked to the bed. “Oh my god!” A giggle slips out of her and she slaps her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. It’s not funny.”
For the first time, thinking back on the moment makes me chuckle. “It’s okay. I guess it is kind of funny, but it was awful in the moment.”
“Did they fight?”
“No, but it turned into a huge argument where I found out some stuff.” Her eyebrows inch up while I explain how things went down years ago.
She’s as stunned as I am and for the same reason. “Why did Amos take the blame?”
“Sutton said it was because Amos knew he wouldn’t get in as much trouble, being a minor.”
“I mean, yeah, that’s true, but I can’t see Amos…sacrificing himself like that.”
“I know. Something else happened. Sutton told me he’s in love with me.”
Maren’s sits up straight. “Really? Do you feel the same way about him?”
My silent nod puts a beaming smile on her face. “That’s fantastic! Did you tell him?”
“No, I was upset and angry. I came here to stay last night.”
“Oh Lila, I get it, but don’t let this screw things up between you. Yeah, it was wrong to let Amos take the blame and everything but they were teenagers.”
“It feels like I’m choosing between loyalty to my family and a relationship with Sutton. Because Amos will see it as me taking Sutton’s side and Mom is going to go nuclear when she finds out. She’ll see it as a betrayal.”
Maren reaches over and puts her hand on mine. “Lila, your mom is only loyal to your brother and he’s not loyal to anyone. I’m sorry, but you know that’s the truth. You have to be loyal to you for once. What do you really want?”
Tears well in my eyes as I confess. “Right now, I just want them to leave me alone. I want to enjoy this new life. With Sutton.”
