Page 113 of The Golden Boys
I swear I love this girl. She never misses a beat.
“First, I need to put a disclaimer out there,” I begin. “You need to know that I withheld information from you, but only because I know you love me. I knew that, if I shared what I was dealing with, you’d feel compelled to advocate for me and things would getreallymessed up if that happened.”
I pause, letting her digest that first.
“I know how things work at schools like mine,” I explain. “The kind of pull and influence the parents of these kids have is off the charts, and I was—am—cautious about rocking the boat too much. Stepping on the wrong toes could mean putting a target on my back, and you know as well as anyone, I can’t afford to screw things up anymore.”
My heart feels heavy, knowing that everything I’ve worked so hard for has all been because of Scar. Ihaveto make something of myself, so I canbesomething for her—a role model, a provider. I might not have it all together by the time she heads off for college, but I’ll be close. I can pick up the cost of her schooling, put a roof over her head if she stays local, give her some type of stability for once in her life. I know what it feels like to fly without a net and I want so much more for my sister.
Because of this, I’llalwaysdo whatever it takes to make it.
Whatever it takes for her.
“Still waiting to hear what this has to do with that hot photo. The one you saydidn’tcapture Westdoing a little deep-sea drilling,” she teases.
“For the last time, Jules—”
“I know, I know,” she sighs. “But you cannot tell me that was all innocent.”
When I don’t immediately answer, she reaches her own conclusion.
“I knew it!” she screeches.
“There was only … hand stuff, so settle down,” I clarify.
“You totally slutted out for him!”
“Jules! Shut up before your parents hear!” I shout back.
“Sorry, but I knew that wasn’t innocent.” It’s a little too late to whisper, but she tries anyway.
“We were only kissing in the pic. Luckily, whoever was spying got there late and missed the rest, which I couldn’t possibly be more grateful for,” I add.
“Well, he might not have defiled you tonight, but from what I see, you two aredefinitelyheaded that way.”
“You mean from what yousaw?” I ask, but when she fails to answer, I know what that means. “You’re looking at it again, aren’t you, perv?”
“I mean … I’m not NOT looking at it,” she admits.
“You’re disgusting.”
“And you’re fucking lucky,” she counters, making me laugh again.
“Would you focus, please?” I ask playfully. “Still trying to bear my soul here.”
“Okay, okay. Sorry. Continue.”
Shaking my head, I move on. “Anyway, this all pertains to West because, well, before things wentwaysideways with us … he did some pretty shitty things to me.”
That part is difficult to admit. Mostly because I know what it makes me look like—weak, desperate, like a fool.
At least those are the thingsIwould think of someone in this situation.
“You mean, like, removing the tires from your car?” she asks, reminding me she hadn’t missed that little update from Pandora.
“Well, that’s one ofmanythings he’s done, but … yeah. Stuff like that,” I admit.
“Okay, so, I guess the important thing to understand is why,” she interjects. “I mean, you don’t have to give details if you don’t want to, but if he was targeting you, there has to be a reason. Unless it’s just that he sucks.”