conversation. I sucked so bad at socializing. Ended up staring at my feet most of the time, waiting for the bell to ring.
Today in particular was extra savage for me. People stared extra hard.
“How’s Conor doing?” a mother asked, smiling nicely at me.
This was a woman that had never spoken to me once.
I forced a nod. “Good.”
“I’m glad.”
“How’s he doing for real?” a father interjected just then, overhearing us. His arms were crossed as he stared me down like I was full of bullshit. “No one leaves prison and ends up feeling good.”
I stifled a sigh. “Well, he’s good.”
“Huh.” He scoffed, narrowing his eyes at me. “Why isn’t he here then?”
Oh, my God. These people.
“I don’t know,” I retorted. “Why don’t you ask him when you see him?”
He averted his gaze. Yeah, he wouldn’t ask Conor shit.
“I heard a bunch of guys showed up at your house?” said another father nearby, frowning. “I hope they didn’t cause any trouble.”
That was said really sweetly.
I shook my head at him. “No, no trouble.”
He smiled. “Is there really a shovel sticking out of your front yard?”
I smiled back. “Yeah, there is.”
“Good.”
I looked at everyone else listening in, but they just gave me the Bert stare. Thank God I had a phone for moments like these. I pulled it out and stared down at the screen, hoping Laura had messaged me back so I could find something to do.
I need to come down to see you guys! Let me know when Conor’s settled in so I don’t just crash the place. I miss you so much. We have so much to catch up on.
I smiled and replied. I’ll let you know a good time. Tbh, I could use a friend right now. Everyone’s been staring at me like I’ve got the plague.
Ah. Your banishment is over. Only took them how many years?
I’m pretty sure I’m still banished, and to be honest, I like my dark little corner of solitude. I just wish they’d stop being nosy.
Char, they want the latest drama. Can you blame them? The town’s so different now, so many new people, but most people still remember Conor and lived through his wild days. They’re curious as fuck. Your guy left a lasting impression. He beat your step brother’s head to the ground, and this is just after all his other crazy shit. And you’re the only constant thing in his life. You waited and they’re awed by that. Don’t let anything slip. Have them wondering. Keep up with your resting bitch face and they’ll leave you the fuck alone.
I missed this girl so much, it hurt.
I laughed lightly just as the bell rang. Hallelujah.
Penny came barrelling out of the doors, her mouth moving fast, rambling away at the eager Kane who was hovering close behind her, listening to her every word. He had stars in his eyes, and she was completely aware of it.
Kane was an adorable looking boy with black hair and blue eyes. He was taller than most of the kids his age, which probably gave him that bullying edge when he stood up for Penny.
When she got to me, she slid her backpack off and handed it to me, never breaking her conversation with Kane. They spoke about Minecraft, and their latest world. Kane logged into her world regularly, and they played together from their own homes. I knew it was a matter of time before she would start badgering me to let him come over, but that wasn’t a door I was happy to open.
As they followed me to my car, I knew Kane’s mother wasn’t far away. She usually waited close-by, a tight smile on her face. It killed her to say hi to me in the beginning, but now it was hardly muttered and we both learned to live with the awkward exchange.
I glanced around the street, searching for her car, but I couldn’t see her. Then I paused mid-step when my eyes flitted to my car and the figure standing in front of it.
Fuck.
Dread pooled in my belly as I approached, barely giving Reid a look. Penny and Kane stopped a few feet from the car, yammering away about their world and unicorn skins and all kinds of really weird things. I was staring down at my phone again, pretending to read something important when I muttered loud enough only he could hear, “Why are you here, Reid?”
“To pick up Kane,” he answered. “Why else?”
“No, I mean here.” This time I looked up at