Page 68

“Oh, it took him a second to realize what was happening. I think he thought it was his own balls at first. He was screaming and trying to open the door to get out of the car. When I looked back, he was kneeling on the ground, holding his crotch and puking all over himself. Stupid boy. He had no idea what horse testicles look like. Probably thinks I cut off someone’s balls to this day.”

Chapter Thirty

I don’t knowif I should high-five River or run for cover. Then I’m laughing. Skye is laughing. River shrugs and smirks and goes on drinking her coffee.

“I hope I never piss you off, and I want to be proactive and apologize and beg for forgiveness ahead of time if I ever do.”

I look at the counter, the egg carton and breakfast sausage forgotten.

“I don’t know why, but suddenly, eggs and sausage for breakfast don’t sound so appetizing.”

Skye puts the sausage back in the fridge.

“How about a cheese omelet then?”

“I’m down for that,” River replies.

“Yes. Feed me, Seymour.”

With a wink at her, I repeat, Skye’s words from last night.

* * *

River saidshe needed a nap and is in her room. It’s just Skye and me now. I’m worried about her ex. I’m worried he’ll try something and I won’t be around to protect her.

“What are you gonna do about this guy?” I ask.

“Blake?”

“Yeah.”

“I have no idea. Pray I don’t run into him?”

“It’s not a huge campus, Skye. You will run into him, eventually.”

“I know. Hopefully, he’ll still remember River’s threat and stay far away from me.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“I’m not that naïve and scared little girl anymore. I think I can stand my ground and ignore whatever he throws at me.”

“Guys like that, they don’t really change. I knew my share of them back in high school and at Riggins.”

“Yeah, but at least I know he’s here, so it won’t take me by surprise when I run into him. I’ll be ready.”

“I want you to tell me when you do. I want you to call me right away, and if he says or does anything to you, I need to know.”

She looks at me with some hesitation.

“I mean it, Skye. I want to know. Not the next day. Not an hour later. Call me. No matter what.”

“Okay, I will.”

“Promise me, Skye?”

“Yes, I promise. Seal it with a kiss.”

She leans into me and gives me a peck on my cheek.