“Yeah?”
“And your mom’s name was Nora, right?”
I nod.
Instantly, her eyes light up.
She saw their tree, didn’t she?
The one with their initials carved into it?
That’s the only thing that makes sense.
“You know people say the bridge is cursed.” I change the topic before she starts interrogating me again. “Legend says every lost soul who walks the bridge will come to meet a tragic end.”
“What do you think?” she asks.
I shrug. “Normally, I’d say it’s a load of shit, but… after what happened tonight, a curse isn’t that far-fetched.”
“That’s the thing with curses.” She rolls onto her side, giving me her undivided attention. “They can be broken.”
I do the same.
“Only heroes break curses, Gem. And I’m no hero.”
Our eyes lock, and I search her face for a glimmer of doubt.
There’s nothing.
Everyone in this godforsaken town looks at me like I’m damaged. Beyond help.
Everyone but her.
“Have you learned nothing from fairy tales, Richards? We rarely become heroes until the end of the story.”
My mouth falls open.
She had to pull my ass up from a bridge I got on voluntarily,and she still has faith in me. She sees something that’s not there. Man is it going to hurt when she falls from her cloud.
“My turn,” I speak up. “Why’d you follow me?”
She pauses for a second, specks of fear floating in her brown eyes.
“I was just curious.”
I snort. “Bullshit.”
“I’m not lying.” She flips onto her back.
“Wrong answer. Try again.” I nag the truth out of her.
“Jesus Christ, fine. I was worried about you. I worry about your reckless ass—big deal.”
I knew that already, but it sure feels good to hear her say it.
“Look, Gem… If you’re obsessed with me, just say so.”
She lets out a bitter laugh.