Page 29 of The Promises We Were Never Meant To Keep

Shyanne sniffs. “You’ll always be the one who doesn’t belong.”

“Stop being a bitch, Shyanne,” Andy snaps. “You’re better than that.”

Shyanne looks shocked. “You’re calling me a bitch?”

“You’ve been acting like one, so yeah.”

“She’s—”

“Done nothing to you.” Andy’s hands fall onto her hips. “If you’re angry, be angry at Holt. He’s the one who hurt you. All Faye did was move to Rubble Ridge. She didn’t steal your boyfriend. You weren’t even dating Holt. You went out a couple times. Big difference.” Andy pulls in breath. “And you shouldn’t care, anyway. Aren’t you crazy in love with Kevin now?”

Shyanne’s face is beet red, her mouth a tight line. She stands, Amber and Jenna following, “Whatever.”

They walk away and Andy sits down again. She’s shaking, which is surprising. Andy isn’t the type to shake over confrontation. She’s more the type to walk all over you, beat you down a peg or two with sharp words, and walk away unaffected.

“I’m sorry. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I did.” She huffs a tense sigh. “She’s been a bitch to you for months, and it sucks, because she’s not that person. I mean, I know she has it in her to be that person, clearly. We all do, I think. But she’s better than that. It’s not like you knew about her and stole Holt from under her. He saw you and that was it. He chose you. She looks silly for hating you for it. Sure, hate him. Whatever. You, though? It’s stupid, and I don’t like stupid.”

I can’t help it, I laugh. Andy looks struck by the sound, surprisingly speechless. I drop my head on her shoulder. “I love you; you know that?” I tell her. “You’re a really good friend.”

Her head falls on mine. “Love you too, girl.”

12

A PIECE IN THE PUZZLE

APRIL 2007 – 15 YEARS OLD

It’s raining. No, not just rain. It’s pouring.

“Slow down.”

“We’re fine.” Holt flashes me a winning grin, but he slows down just a bit. “I’ve driven this road a million times now.”

His eyes are still alight with the high of the win, but it’s getting dark, and the rain isn’t just rain. It’s a downpour. The highway leading into Rubble Ridge isn’t straight, either. It’s bendy and sometimes narrow. There has been more than one deadly accident in the short time I’ve lived here.

“Hydroplaning is a thing, Holt.”

“Are you scared?”

“No.”

“Come closer.” He pats the bench next to him.

I scoff. “I don’t think you need another distraction.”

Holt laughs, and to appease me, he slows down more. “That better?”

I nod a little begrudgingly. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Faye.” His eyes are on the road, but mine are on him.

I can’t help myself, I ask, “Promise?”

“Promise.” He crosses his heart.

I boss, “Hands on the wheel!”