“I didn’t know that was what was going on in the 19th century. I missed out on that part during history.”
“It’s not taught in schools,” Violet sniffs. “Yes, I have food. I made a beef stew, homemade biscuits, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.”
“Great. See you in twenty.”
Eden comes down from her apartment above The Daily Drip with her lanky brother ambling behind her. He’s not done growing, and his jeans are looking a little short. Money is tight for Eden, and it’s not because her business sucks but because her old man has been robbing her blind. I wonder if I should go have a talk with him. I said I wasn’t going to interfere, but my girl is driving a dump of a car, her brother’s clothes don’t fit, and she’s run ragged at the café because she feels like she can’t hire more help.
This shit should not continue. Eden’s supporting her family just fine with her café, and it boils my balls thinking about how she must lie awake at night worried about her future and the future of her brother.
The door pops open and they climb inside. I uncurl my fingers from the steering wheel and force a smile on my face. “Glad you could make it, Ryan.”
“Eden says you can help me with calculus?”
Horror flashes across my face. “Calculus?”
Ryan groans. I add calculus tutor to my list of grievances. If not for her father, Eden would be able to swing this, too.
“Don’t worry, Ryan. Help is on the way.” I peel away from the sidewalk, determination hot on my spine. Her dad is going to shape up. Or else.
Chapter Eight
Eden
“You know I’m seventeen, right? You don’t have to drag me on your date.”
“Ryan!” I hiss his name. “It’s not a date. We’re having dinner with his sister as well. Plus you need help with your school work. And to be honest, I kind of stink at calculus.”
“Math is fucking stupid,” he grumbles from the back seat. I roll my eyes.
“It’s not so stupid when it’s money,” I say back.
“You got me there.” The car falls silent again. I try not to fidget in my seat wondering if I should fill the silence or enjoy it. I may have been a little resistant to the idea of going to Miles’ house at first, but I have to say I’m looking forward to it now. It will get my mind off what happened at my dad’s earlier.
“This is a cool car, man.”
“If you learn your calculus you might get one,” Miles tells him, making me smile.
“I’d totally do my calculus for a car like this one day.” They fall into an easy conversation about cars. Ryan sits up straighter and becomes more animated with excitement. It’s then I realize he doesn't have a male role model in his life. I can only do so much.
Hell, I’m not even doing the things I should be doing. But I know the life I’m giving him is much better than what would be provided by our father. It always makes me feel better to think of it that way.
Miles pulls up to a gate and hits a button, causing the doors to swing open. “That’s cool,” Ryan says, leaning forward to get a better look.
“Why the gate? Are we in a bad part of town?” I tease him. I wasn't really surprised when he pulled into Briarcliff Hills. It’s where all the wealthy people live.
“It makes my sister feel better.”
I smile, liking that he does things to make her feel safe.
“Does she nag you all the time like mine?” Ryan nudges me with his elbow from behind me. I roll my eyes, knowing he’s teasing me. I haven’t seen him this happy in a while. It’s nice to see him let loose a bit.
“From the start. She’s still pissed I came out first so I get to claim I’m older than her.”
“Twins?” I ask.
“Yep. We’re a close bunch. Don’t be surprised if my mom pops up at some point too.”
“Really?” Why does that suddenly make me nervous?
“How quickly depends on if Violet told her I was bringing a girl home or not.” For some reason the thought of him bringing women back to his place doesn’t sit well with me.
“You do that often? Bring girls home.” I turn my head to look at Ryan. His tone is almost accusatory.
“Never.” Miles smiles over at me as he continues to make his way up the long driveway.
“Good.” Ryan, seemingly satisfied with his answer, leans back in his seat.
“Wow,” I whisper when I see the house. Actually, calling it a house is an understatement. This is what they call an estate. It’s massive.
“Is that a fountain in your driveway?”
“Yes. Mom insisted on it. I’ve learned to pick my battles.” He opens his door, stepping out. I do the same, my head dropping back to try and get a better look at this place. It has a historic feel to it. “It’s been in the family for years.” He puts his hand on my back to guide me toward the front door. He opens one of the double doors, gesturing for me to go in.