“Sure thing.” Just as he starts bagging the vegetables, Mrs. Olson calls him over for a favor. He hesitates then glances over at Liv.

“I got it, go ahead,” she says, taking the bag and list from him.

As she finishes what he started, I look down at the small table that’s next to the vegetables and see jewelry spread out across it. “So this is the jewelry you were talking about yesterday?”

She nods, that shy little smile playing with the edge of her lips. “It’s just something I like to do on the side.”

I reach down and pick up a ring, the thin metal wire with tiny blue stones strung across feels heavier than I expected. “You make these all yourself?”

“Yes.”

I can’t imagine how long this takes her or the patience it requires. There are various kinds of jewelry, all of them fashioned with intricate designs and extreme detail. “They’re really nice, Liv.” I don’t know shit about jewelry, but everything she has here is as delicate and pretty as her.

“Thank you,” she whispers, uncomfortable by the praise. “So you’re here just picking some stuff up for your mom?”

I put the ring back down where I found it as she hands me the bag of vegetables. “Yeah, I’m going over there for dinner later. She said she wanted some of Walt’s vegetables, so I told her I would swing by and grab what she needs.”

“That was nice of you.”

I shrug. “I don’t know about that. There was motive behind my offer.”

A small frown mars her face. “What’s that?”

“I knew I’d get to see you.”

“Oh.” Her gaze falls to her lap and she bites her bottom lip to keep from smiling.

Reaching across, I graze her chin with my fingers to bring her eyes back to mine. “How are you doing after yesterday?” I immediately regret the question when sadness washes over her beautiful face.

“Okay, I guess. I still feel horrible that I made things worse for his family.”

“I told you, it’s not your fault. You had a right to pay your respects, too.”

She clears her throat. “I know, but I should have waited like y’all suggested. I was hoping by getting out and being here today things would be better but, unfortunately, not everyone is happy to see Pap and me.”

I scowl. “What do you mean?” She tries to look away again, but I hold her chin firmly in place. “Talk to me, Liv. What happened?”

Tears glisten in her eyes. “People moved their tables today,” she whispers. “Mr. Jefferson wouldn’t even look at us. Him and Pap have always gotten along, but he wouldn’t even acknowledge him.”

I grunt. So that’s why he didn’t wave back, it’s clear he’s holding grudges over the rumors with that Baker kid, too.

“The same with Mrs. Hicks. She moved to the opposite side when she usually sets up closer to us. Actually, Fletcher is the only one who didn’t move away from us.”

She means the only one who isn’t white, because everyone else surrounding them smiles and speaks with Walter. “I’m sorry. Neither of you deserve that.”

“My heart breaks for Pap. Even though he doesn’t say it, I know it’s hurtful for people to look at him and treat him like he did something wrong.”

“Not everyone believes that. Fletcher obviously doesn’t and look at everyone else around here laughing and talking with him.” Her gaze darts over to where Walter is still chatting with Mrs. Olson. “The people who matter know the truth.”

It was clearly the right thing to say because her smile returns. “You’re right. I’m sure things will get better as the days go on.”

“I know they will.”

Silence falls between us as we stare at one another, something shifting in the humid air around us. My gaze drops to her mouth as she nervously licks her lips, and before I can stop it a low growl erupts from my chest. Her eyes widen, lust reflected inside their dark depths, matching my own.

“Go out with me,” I demand.

“Uh, o-okay.”

I smirk at her stammering.

“When?” she asks softly.

“How about Friday? I’ll pick you up at six if that works for you?”

“Okay.”

My hand falls from her face, and I reluctantly step back as Walter returns. I collect the bag of vegetables and fish the cash from my pocket but he refuses to accept it. “For taking care of my Livy yesterday.”

I’d hardly say I took care of her, especially after what happened, but I nod and thank him anyway.

Liv stares up at me with those big brown eyes of hers.

“I’ll see you on Friday,” I say.

She nods, fingering the end of her braid with that shy fucking smile playing on her lips. “See you then.”

After a goodbye to Walter and Fletcher, I turn and walk back to my truck, trying to ignore the tension from the others as I pass. Instead I think of only one thing…

Liv.

CHAPTER 6

Olivia

I glance at the clock for what feels like the hundredth time, waiting for the bell to ring. This is not how I expected my first day back at work to be. I had a feeling there would be some tension, but I didn’t expect so much hatred directed toward me. I thought anyone who knew me wouldn’t hold me responsible for what happened—that they would know how much I cared about Jamal.

Sadly, I was very wrong.

I had a big wake-up call when I walked into my classroom to find a piece of paper on my desk that had murdering bitch scrolled across it in big, angry letters. I don’t know for sure who it was, but if I had to guess I would say it was De’Shawn Miller. He’s been glaring at me from his desk the entire afternoon. I’ve tried to ignore it, but even when I’m not looking at him I can feel his cold, hard eyes on me.

Thank God the school year is almost over. Hopefully things will settle down after summer break.

Relief fills me at the sound of the bell. I turn back to the class, trying my hardest to summon a smile. “I’ll see you all tomorrow. Don’t forget your essays are due back on Wednesday.”

Most of them ignore me, except for one or two female students who offer me a smile of pity. I’m surprised when Brandon Gaines, Jamal’s best friend¸ walks past and gives me the slightest wave.

“Brandon, wait,” I call out, stopping him before he can walk out of the room.

He comes to a halt at the door but doesn’t turn back to me. I expect him to continue on and ignore me like everyone else, but he turns around and walks back to my desk.

“Yes, Miss Bradshaw.”

“Can you have a seat, please?” I point to the desk in front of me. “I’d like to talk to you for a minute.”

He glances at his watch before taking the seat across from me. “Yeah, but I can’t stay long. I have practice.”

“No problem. I just…I wanted to see how you’re doing? How are you handling everything about Jamal?”

Pain flashes in his eyes but he shrugs and attempts to act indifferent. “It sucks, but what’re you gonna do?”

“I noticed there was some distance between you two over the last few months.”

His eyes dart to the floor, focused on the sole of his shoe. “People go their separate ways sometimes.”

I have a feeling it’s more than that. They had been friends since they were small boys, but I nod and accept his excuse, not wanting to push. “Do you know who he was hanging out with?”

“No, and to be honest I didn’t care. He stopped returning my calls and hanging out with me. He even stopped showing up for track. So I didn’t bother anymore, but I guess I should’ve.”

His hands ball into fists and my heart clenches in my chest. I know he’s hurting far more than he wants to let on.

I reach over to grab his hand, trying to offer comfort, but he jumps up from his seat before I can make contact with him. “Listen, I have to go or I’m gonna be late. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before I can return his goodbye he’s gone.

“Bye,” I say quietly to the empty room.

With a heavy sigh I start packing up, ready to get out of here for the day, when the sound of a throat being cleared interrupts me.