Page 62 of Burning Daylight

You don’t HAVE to, Bear.

My eyes burn when she pulls out the nickname. She knows how to kick me when I’m down, that’s for sure.

Me:

I’m doing this for you and Ma, kid.

Brooklynn:

Doesn’t feel like it. Feels like you got sick of being broke and went to where the money is.

Sighing, I darken the screen of my phone, slip it in my pocket, and stare out the window of my dad’s private car.

The ceiling is stars, the upholstery is a buttery leather, and the driver—Bartholomew—keeps calling mesir.

I always knew my father was rich, but damn, had I underestimated what it would feel like to be part of it. It makes Brooklynn’s implications burn a hole in my pocket.

A deep-seated hatred takes root, knowing how my sister has had to survive and how my father lives.

The trees blur together as we drive, and when they give way to Victorian-style houses with the Greek alphabet on the fronts, I know we’re getting close. Verona University isn’t a large school, but tradition holds true, and the various fraternity and sorority houses make up a large part of the campus edges.

Welcome to Rosebrook Falls.

A weird feeling hits me when we reach the actual town limits, like I’m entering an alternate life. Flashes of thecoulda, woulda, shoulda’splay like a movie, and I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if I grew up here instead of in California.

If my father hadn’t been married to Eleanor, and had been able to love my mom freely.

My stomach cramps.

“How much longer?” I ask.

“About ten minutes until we’re in the HillPoint, and then another five to make it to your father’s manor.”

“What’s the HillPoint?”

Bartholomew’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “The neighborhood your father lives in.”

My brows furrow, because I’m not sure that I knew it was called that, but I guess it makes sense. My father’s mansion sits on top of a hill, the largest one in the area, like he’s looking down on peasants.

We pass by the entry to Verona County Park, and my breath hitches.

Juliette.This is where we first met.

A sick sensation whirls through my middle, because I know what will happen once she sees me again. Part of me is dreading it and the other part is anxious, scratching at my insides like a dog searching for a bone, desperately trying to get to her.

I assume she’ll hate me just on principle alone, but I can’t help the voice in the back of my head filling me with a sliver of hope.

Maybe if we’re in the same town, there’s a chance for…something.

I should’ve told her at the coffee shop. I had every chance. She was right there, sipping her drink and letting me flirt with her while I acted like I wasn’t the biggest liar she’s ever let into her life.

And I didn’t say a damn thing.Coward.

The car rolls past the county park, and then before long, we’re in the town square, historical buildings lining the streets, a grassy area in the center surrounding a large white gazebo.

If I had a nickel for every time the nameCallowayshowed up on a building or plot of land here, I’d be a rich man, but I guess I am anyway, now.

It’s obvious when we hit the HillPoint.