Paula looks at me, tears in her eyes. She’s a beautiful woman, like Cain is handsome.
Blonde hair, big eyes, high, sharp cheekbones, blue-blue eyes. Skin like porcelain, like she never goes out in the sun, unlike her brother, who does. His skin is olive, tanned, and rough. He works with his hands.
She’s a princess. She’s been treated like one, and she believes that to be true.
“Paula, you need to fix your life without leaning on your brother or your parents,” I advise. “I promise, it’ll make you a better person.”
The façade cracks. “And how would you know? You’re an orphan with no family. Isn’t that why you’re trying to steal mine?” she screams.
“What’s goin’ on here?” Ricky is at my back.
If I took a bet that he’s been listening all along, I’d win.
“Paula is looking for a job,” I say.
“Well, we need a cleaner.” Ricky chews his toothpick.
Paula glares at both of us, pushes us out of her way, and storms out.
“Somethin’ I said?” he asks innocently and then winks at me. “Your boyfriend is out front.”
“It’s early,” I say, confused.
“I called him,” Ricky tells me. “Told him his sister was here.”
I sigh. “Ricky.”
“You’re my people, doll. I take care of you.”
25
EVERYTHING WE NEVER SAID
CAIN
Iglance at her. The truck’s interior glows pale from the dashboard, illuminating the gentle curve of her cheek and the way her arms fold protectively over her stomach. Every few seconds, she turns her head, eyes catching mine in the rear-view mirror, as if she’s weighing her next breath.
“You angry about Paula?” I ask as we drive home.
I caught Paula leaving Nectar when I got there, but instead of chasing her, I checked on Faith.
“I’m fine,” she said, but I’m not sure.
“No, I’m not angry,” she replies immediately.
“Then?”
She lets out a long sigh. “I feel sorry for her. She’s so…I’m sorry to say this, Cain, but she’sdumb.”
Laughter chokes out of me.
“She thinks she’s living some other life than the one she has.” She taps a finger on the dashboard. “I think she thought she’d marry Kyle and life would go on. Now she’s having trouble adjusting to the fact that he’s done with her. And you and your parents are as well. Yet, instead of getting on with it—finding ajob—she’s still hoping you’ll take care of her.” She pauses and looks at me helplessly. “It’s…dumb.”
“I know.”
“And”—she wags a finger at me—“you’re not to blame for this. Neither are your parents. Sometimes people just do stupid shit.”
We drive quietly, and as we get close to her place, she turns in her seat. “Cain?”
