that’s a new low even for her.
Incredibly mean.
Actually, vile.
“I’m going to leave.” August places his drink carefully on the counter, the one he never even got to taste.
“Yes, I think that’s best,” my mother agrees.
“Yes, so do I,” I say.
My mother smirks. August doesn’t appear shocked, he simply nods before turning.
I reach for my purse from the counter and then run to the sitting room announcing, “Mother has kicked August out. So, I have to go. Have a great night, Paige.”
“Rylee,” my mother screeches.
When I get outside, August’s standing there waiting for me, as if he knew I was coming.
“Where to, rich girl?” he asks, smirking.
“You are so hot and cold,” I tell him while unlocking my car. “Get in.”
I can’t help but smile when I turn to face him. “Paige was happy you came. I know it mustn’t have been any kind of fun…” He says nothing but does nod his head. “Do you not like me, August? Because I got the impression you did.”
August closes his knuckles and raps them on the handle of the door. “Why do you keep wanting to talk about feelings, Rylee?”
I come to a stop outside an ice cream parlor. “Ice cream helps the soul. Come… I bet you’ve never tasted some of the flavors they have here. Absolutely the best in this town.”
He gets out, closing the door and stepping closer to me. “You can be really annoying.” He says it, but I can see he doesn’t mean it—his eyes are the window to his soul and they are sparkling right now.
“It’s one of my most endearing qualities. And you love it.” I wink as he glances at me, and we stroll into the ice cream parlor. Looking at all the flavors, I can’t help but watch his face as he becomes confused.
“Bacon ice cream?” he says, and the shock is not lost on me.
“August?” We both look up to the guy wearing a white hat with an apron behind the counter.
Neither one of them speak. They simply stare at each other.
“Hi, I’m Rylee.”
“I know who you are, Miss Harley,” he replies, then his eyes fall back to August. “I tried to contact you. You just—”
“Let’s go,” August interrupts, gripping my hand so tight it almost hurts.
“No. We came for ice cream,” I say, pulling my hand free. “He’ll have the bacon.”
“I don’t want the bacon ice cream.”
“I’ll have the popcorn,” I say to the stranger who’s serving us, who also seems to be annoying August.
“I’d like a chance to talk to you,” he says, scooping my ice cream. He hands it to me, then looks at August. “August.”
“I’ll have the same as her…”
“My name is Sully,” the stranger tells me.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“I went to school with you, well… I was in August’s year.”
“Oh, yes, you do look familiar.” I turn to August. “You don’t talk much anymore?”
“No,” August replies quickly.
“I’ve tried, but he won’t have it. I’m surprised to see you two together.” Sully raises his eyebrow at us.
“We should eat, so I can go home.”
I nod at August’s words and move over to a small table where we sit.
“He was your friend?” I ask, peering to where Sully is still standing behind the counter. He keeps glancing in our direction.
“Was. I told you those close to me either use me or leave. It’s always one or the other.”
“Maybe you haven’t let the right person in yet.”
“Is that an invitation, rich girl?”
“I’ve been throwing invitations at you, left, right, and center, that you never take,” I say, scooping a spoonful of ice cream. He does the same, places it in his mouth then scrunches up his nose. The bowl is then slid over to me.
“I’ve taken a few. I seem to remember how you taste and feel.”
“Remembering how you feel is a favorite of mine, too.” I wink.
“August.” We both turn to Sully who’s standing there, hat in his hand. “I’d really like to talk. I haven’t worked with Josh since you went away.”
“I’m busy with my girl, Sully. Fuck off.”
Well, well, well, my cheeks flush at his words.
His girl.
Turning to me, Sully says, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your night.” He shakes his head and walks away.
“He was trying,” I say.
“And now we’re leaving. You coming back to mine or going to yours?”
“Am I allowed at yours?” I ask, standing. I offer a small wave to Sully as we leave. When we get outside, I slide into the car and August follows.
“Do you know what usually