Page 43 of Ever's Last
She hands me a cup of barley tea, my favorite, and turns on South Park.
“Anne?”
“I’m trying new things,” she says. I like this Anne.
I fall asleep shortly after, my head a little lighter after hearing Anne’s story.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Memphis
My head hurts. It was a long night and I ignored everyone once we got back. I showered, changed clothes, rented a room, got drunk, and fucked the hotel receptionist.
I’m messed up. Why would anyone even care about me like she does? Doesn’t matter now, she’s probably gone. It’s better I am alone.
I pop some aspirin and roll out of bed. Who knows what my future holds now? I have only myself to blame. That was years of secrets and she took it like a champ.
If it had been me, who knows what would have happened?
I dress quickly and head back to the Tanners. I know I’m in for a day of lectures, probably more.
I’m not even out of the car when I feel the fist to my jaw, knocking me on my ass. I look up to see Shane. I’m kind of terrified right now because he looks crazy.
“I figured out that Skye was driving, but I’m having a hard time knowing you caused it by jerking the wheel. And the fact that you knew all of this happened, that you caused it, you hurt her, and you never bothered to visit her or try to help once your career took off? That’s low, even for you. Do you know she stayed to help me out so that we could pay off her hospital bills faster? She did those pageants not only to please me and Anne but some of the local ones had cash prizes. Granted, they weren’t that much, but when she won a fifty dollar check, she gave it to me. And you could have manned up and let her live her dreams, whatever they might be. But no, she stayed because this is home to both of you.”
Yep, I suck.
“Get up. Sal wants to see you.” I don’t make any move on him because I deserved that. Just like I deserve the angry glares from the girls and Brick.
Sal is sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee. He might look calm and collected, but I know he wants to wring my neck.
“Sit down, Memphis.” I do.
“The show must go on despite what has happened. My niece wasn’t a contestant. But the sheriff wants to talk to you and Skye sometime today. You will both be there. The girls have been instructed to put on the show of a lifetime, even though they are pretty mad at you right now too. We all love Ever, and I’m disappointed in you. After this, find a new agent.”
Well, that went well. His words hit me pretty hard.
“Clean yourself up, there’s a task today. The girls are going berry picking.” Sal stands and exits quickly.
I am at a loss. I know so many people hate me right now. Oh God, what if my mom knows? Just one more thing to add to her list. I mean, I did go back to my manwhore ways by fucking that girl last night, but what the hell.
“Memphis.” Brick clears his throat.
“What? You want to take a shot at me, too? I mean, you never liked Ever. You all act like you really care about her, but you never did.”
If he didn’t want to take a shot at me, that got me one. He hits me so hard, I see stars.
“You are a damn liar. This is you, backed into a corner, angry with yourself. Come on, Memphis. You’re better than this.”
“I don’t know how to fix any of this.”
“Do you know why Sal wanted to film here?” he asks softly.
“No. To make my life hell?”
“No, because he wanted you and Ever to get together. We all knew the girl at the end would mean nothing to you. Not like her. She’s always been special.”
“She had your heart when I didn’t.” Skye steps into the hall.
