Page 88 of Vying Girls

I voice my vision to Skylar, trusting she’ll go with it. She runs her tongue over her front teeth, a silver ball winking there. ‘Trust me to freestyle it?’

‘I dunno. Should I?’

She grins, a diabolical thing under the harsh lights. ‘Hell yeah. We’re gonna get you laid, babes.’

Nic

I watch Tommy dodge a fallen tree, his slight stumble telling me he’s as inebriated as me. At least it’s just booze this time. I’ve slowed down on the powdered shit. My heart’s not liking it, and it’s reminding me of a time I’d rather leave so fucking far behind.

The forest is pitch black, the air still cold enough that I’ve got my hood pulled up, hands deep in my pockets. I’m walking quietly enough but I don’t know how he can’t hear me. I shake my head at his obliviousness. Only a guy could get away with bumbling through the woods at three in the morning the way he is.

I don’t particularly want to talk to him, but rather him than his brother. It still messes me up inside, the fact I’m doing this all for Tilda, after swearing to avenge myself on her mere weeks ago. Pisses me off she’s got me tied like this, but I know it’s not her fault. Not this anyway. It’shis. And I’m on any side that’s not.

Getting tired of the hunt, I finally call out Tommy’s name.

He whips round, a startled expression on his face. He holds up his hands. ‘I’ve stayed away, I swear.’

I know for a fact that’s bullshit but I’m not here to rough him up. I want to, him spouting my shit to Tilda like that. I draw in a steadying breath, reminding myself who the real enemy is here.

‘You’re fine. I just want to talk.’

He scoffs, hands sliding into his pockets. ‘Heard that line before.’

I regard his stubbly face, the distrust swimming in his amber eyes. ‘I saw Damien.’

‘What?’

‘He says your family’s having issues. Something he needs my help with. Any idea what he’s going on about?’

Tommy shakes his head. ‘I don’t know.’

‘What do you mean you don’t know?’

‘I don’t. I’m no-contact with him these days. Mum, too.’

I frown. ‘Since when?’

‘Since not that long. When I came here.’ He looks around the silent pines, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. ‘I needed to get out first.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I needed a place to stay, and the scholarship money—’

‘No, why are you no-contact?’

Tommy looks at me, his gaze for once unwavering. ‘You really need to ask that?’

‘Guess it didn’t get better then?’

‘Understatement.’

‘And Josephina?’ I hold my breath, dreading the answer.

Tommy shrugs. ‘She’s still with Mum. She’s only thirteen. Anyway, she’s never been a problem. Her and Damien…well, I think she just likes getting on with everyone. That’s kind of her thing.’

‘But she’s fine?’

‘Yeah.’ Tommy nods. ‘Yeah. She’s fine.’