CHAPTER EIGHT
BLAIR
I t didn’t take me long to find my room after Shay was clearly no help.
The heels hanging from the delicate, silver handle was all the indication I needed.
Sleeping, though? That’s a different story.
I holed up in my bare room for as long as I could, but as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, I came outside by the pool.
Navigating the house was easier when I felt I didn’t have to worry about running into anyone.
The second floor has a few rooms. Mine, Shay’s, and some sort of office.
The lower level, though, that’s where all the nicer shit is.
Kitchen with all stainless steel appliances, two living rooms, a theater room, and a game room.
Pretty sure Henry’s room is there too, but I didn’t go looking for it.
Everything is meticulously clean and shiny too, and any other time, I might enjoy it. Considering the circumstances, though? Not a chance. I’d rather be anywhere but here.
The first night is always the hardest in a new place too, but tonight, it feels extra suffocating. I’ve never been great at sleeping in new places either. Too many unfamiliar sounds, too many strange shadows on the walls. And now, too many painful reminders that Dad is gone.
Casting the thoughts away, I focus on the silvery glow the moon is casting over the still water of the pool.
It’s quiet out here, with only the faint whooshing of waves in the distance and the steady chirp of crickets.
Pulling the cigarette pack Hannah gave me from my pocket, I open it and shake out the half-smoked joint and lighter.
Sparking the jay, I keep it in my mouth, inhaling slowly, and lift my camera from my lap.
Looking at the world through my lens feels more familiar than what my real life has become at this point.
I can choose what to focus on and what to block out.
I start snapping, letting the shutter click fill the silence around me.
The reflection of the moon on the water, the way the shadows of the trees stretch across the ground—it’s all so calm. Almost enough to make me forget where I am.
Almost.
I take another slow drag of the joint, the smoke curling up into the dark sky.
The weed helps calm my nerves just a little.
Closing my eyes, I let out a deep breath and try to shake the unease that’s settled in my chest since seeing Shay.
Everything has changed so fast. My mom and Henry announcing their engagement, us moving in.
I shake my head and raise my camera again, throwing the roached jay to the ground, and get ready to snap another picture, but voices traveling from inside the house have me halting. They’re low and muffled by the thick walls, but I recognize them immediately—Shay and his dad.
“You need to remember our agreement,” Henry says, his voice dripping with frustration.
“The agreement was between you and I, not them,” Shay snaps back. “You dropped this on me out of nowhere, and now you want me to play babysitter too?”
I move from my spot on the lounge chair and pad closer to the glass windows stretching across the back of the house. Since they’re floor-to-ceiling length, it gives me an almost perfect view of where Shay and Henry stand in the hall.
I never noticed before, but Shay is nearly as tall as his dad.
They have similar features too, but where Henry’s hair is all pepper with a few salty strands, Shay’s is more of a deep chestnut color.
Shay is bigger too—more muscles, more ridges—and I’m sure that’s thanks to the fights he participates in.
His sharp jaw ticks as he stands face-to-face with Henry, and I can’t help but wonder if he feels like he’s looking into a mirror of himself in the future.
“If they’re going to be a part of this family, she needs to follow the same rules. My reputation can’t take a hit. The press is already watching us,” Henry bites, raising his hand to reveal a newspaper I didn’t even notice he was holding.
It’s hard to make out the headline and picture, so I raise my camera and zoom in on it through my lens.
Snapping a few quick shots, I lower it, then examine the pictures I took.
It’s a picture of the mess I caused at the country club.
Table on fire, patrons with screaming faces, and Henry standing to the side with his hand on his head.
“ Local and widely known lawyer Henry Cornell announced his engagement to a Saint Bipal newcomer yesterday evening, and it seems their relationship is already on fire! ” I cringe at the words and move my eyes down lower.
A headshot of my mom with her name inked in italic letters accompanies the piece.
As much as I would like to, there is no denying their relationship anymore. All of Saint Bipal knows by now, I’m sure.
Shay shakes his head. “This is fucking ridiculous.”
“There is no need for the attitude, Shay. It’s not like I’m asking your permission. I am telling you what needs to happen.”
The laugh that bubbles from Shay’s throat is bitter. “Yeah, I noticed. And you didn’t even bother to ask how I felt about it. It’s always about you, isn’t it?”
“Watch your tone,” his dad warns. “I’m still your father, and you will respect me.”
“Respect? You think you deserve my respect? You didn’t respect Mom’s memory. It’s been, what, three years? And now you’re bringing some woman and her daughter into our house like they’re part of the family?”
I flinch at his words. It isn’t like I had a choice in this either…
“Your mother is gone, Shay.” Henry’s voice is lower now, more understanding. “And she isn’t coming back. I’m trying to move on, to build a life again.”
“Build a life again?” Shay laughs. “Yeah… A life they’re going to destroy.” He flicks the paper dangling from Henry’s fingertips, sending it to the floor.
“Goddammit, Shay. I’m trying to do my best here!”
Silence stretches between them, and I feel like an intruder. Like I’m eavesdropping on something private and sacred, but I can’t move.
“Maybe your best isn’t good enough.” Shay finally breaks the silence. “I’m going out.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket and makes me break my stare from the men in front of me. Pulling it out quickly, I hit Answer, then bring it to my ear. By the time I glance back to the window, though, both Henry and Shay are gone.
“Hey. Beach party happening now. You in?” Hannah’s voice pours from the receiver. I already gave her the lowdown on the move earlier today before I abandoned the small home Mom and I were renting, so I’m sure that’s the reason she’s inviting me. She knew I would need to get away.
“Um, sure. I could use a break from this house, but I’m high. Wanna scoop me up?”
“Send me the addy, and I’ll be there!” she squeals, ending the call without a goodbye.
I quickly drop her a pin, then pad inside with my camera in hand to change.
As I make it to the top of the stairs, my phone pings, alerting me of a new text.
I glance down, sure it’s Hannah letting me know she’s heading this way, but instead, it’s from a number I don’t have saved.
Only this time, it’s a Florida area code.
They’re back…
UNKNOWN: Mark my words; I’m coming for you.
A chill runs down my spine as I read it.
It’s threatening, sure, but I had been receiving these messages for so long I don’t hold any weight behind the threats anymore.
Honestly, I was wondering when I would get them again.
Considering the day I’ve had, it’s almost weirdly comforting too.
A fucked-up constant in my very fast-changing life.
Shaking my head, I lock my phone and slide it into my pocket, deciding not to give it any more attention. I have enough on my plate already.
Fuck Shay, fuck the random message, and fuck this too big of a house. I’m going out too.