Page 39 of Savage in the Streets

In the moment I’m gone, Bailey has completely composed herself and now sits with one leg crossed over the other, glaring at me.

I’ve definitely earned her contempt, but god, what I wouldn’t give to have her looking at me with adoring eyes.

I hand the cup to her.

She accepts with a, “Thank you.”

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Clearly.”

“Would you like to talk?”

“Not particularly.”

“May I sit next to you.”

“No.”

My brain tells me to retire to my room, but Mabel’s words come back to haunt me.

Carolyn’s gone,she had said, not to be cruel, but to help me move on.

Instead of leaving like a coward, I choose to be brave, kneeling before Bailey.

“I need to explain something to you.”

Tears burn my eyes, and deep inside me, I feel a familiar fear. One I’ve spent years trying to numb.

“What is it?” Bailey says, her voice wavering.

“I’m scared.”

“Is it me you’re scared of?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not gonna steal your shit. It’s heavy and would be hard to move around in the market.”

Despite my pain, I manage to laugh. “I know I’ve been an asshole, but it’s not because I think you’re guilty.”

“I was actually more inclined to think it was because I’m white trash.”

“No. You’ll never be trash to me.”

“Then what am I to you?”

“Terrifying. A nightmare. A cold premonition.”

“Wow, holy fuck—you’re like a foot taller than me, dude. Get a grip.”

I finish with, “My salvation. My oasis. Maybe even redemption.”

She cocks her head to the side. “I want to be flattered, but I’m confused.”

“Ten years ago, I was with the woman I intended to marry. I knew her from when I was around eight years old, when my father would take me to the courthouse with him. Her name was Carolyn, and she was Judge Fischer’s daughter.”

“You were dating the judge’s daughter?”