I rub my arms when I feel a chill in the air.
“I just don’t think being a lawyer is the right path for me. I tried my best, but the truth is, it isn’t for everybody. I have the brains for it and all other capabilities, but my morals keep getting in the way. I’m not like the others. I can’t simply defend a murderer because it’s my job. I don’t think I’m wired that way,” I say sadly.
Michael places his hand over mine on the railing.
“I think it’s honorable of you, and brave. It shows that you’re not willing to just lie down and take it.”
“You going soft on me, Crane?” I tease.
He laughs. “Never.”
We grow quiet and stare into the night. Then, Michael breaks the silence. “I think your parents are proud of you. They always will be, Chrissy. You didn’t disappoint anyone. Trust me. And I’m glad Noah’s going to grow up looking up to someone like you.”
“Mike, I’m twenty-nine years old and I don’t have any dreams or aspirations.”
“It’s a minor setback. I know you’re going to get it together eventually. For now, Arcola’s in your path and you have to make the most of it.”
“Thanks for reminding me I don’t have it together.” I laugh.
He smiles before pulling me by the arm and placing me in front of him. I’m standing right in front of his legs, staring up at him with a raised eyebrow.
“What?”
“I figured it out,” he says gently.
“Figured what out?” I ask in confusion.
“Why we slept together.”
I tense. No part of me had been expecting him to bring that up.
“What?” I say, my voice barely a whisper.
He breathes deeply and the warmth of his breath sends chills down my body, but just before he speaks, we’re interrupted.
“Michael?” his aunt calls.
We both whirl around to face the older, dark-haired woman. As always in my presence, there’s a frown on her face. Such a shame, though, because she’s a beautiful woman and I used to look up to her when I was younger. Back when she hated me less.
I glimpse slight irritation in Michael’s eyes before he quickly covers it up. “Yeah, Aunt Mel?”
“Your mom said to come find you. It’s urgent,” his aunt informs him.
She looks from him to me with her nose upturned. She knows she interrupted something important.
“Okay,” Michael says, turning to me. “Let’s go.”
“You go,” I urge. “I just want to stay out here for a while.”
He looks hesitant but his aunt prompts him with her presence and finally, he leaves. Only problem is, Mellissa stays put right where she is. She doesn’t move, and despite my effort to ignore her, I can’t take it anymore. I turn to her.
I’m asking a burning question before I can think twice about it. “Why do you hate me?”
Mellissa smiles. It’s a triumphant smile, like she’s been waiting for me to ask her this all along.
“I don’t hate you, Christine,” she states, walking closer to the edge of the terrace. “I hate how oblivious you are.”
I tilt my head in confusion. “What does that mean?”