When September Ends Read Online Free Page B

look.”
    Rewind—what?
    “What?” he asks, seeing my befuddled expression.
    “Seriously, Byers won’t like me?”
    He immediately laughs and, I’m not going to lie, I love the way it sounds. “So, I tell you that your English Lit teacher is drunk most of the time, but you’re worried about the blonde bitch Byers? That’s interesting.”
    “Are you making fun of me?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
    “Not at all, babe. You are a breath of fresh air around here. Gotta go. Practice. Don’t forget, we’ve got a date for pizza,” he calls out once he’s already a half block down the street.
    I rack my brain wondering if I ever confirmed with him and I know that I didn’t, but what the hell?
    It’s just pizza.
    Peeps gotta eat.

Chapter 5

    Fuck, I know that chick is lying to me. I would bet my next ten paychecks on it.
    “Sorry Mr. Ryan, I haven’t heard from September. I’m in Chapel Hill, North Carolina now. I go to school here. You know how it goes. Once you leave high school it’s like your whole world changes. New places, new friends. But hey, if I do hear from her I’ll be sure and let her know you’re concerned.”
    Yeah, right. That is what September’s friend Shayla had tried to pass off as the truth when she finally returned my call after I had left two subsequent messages.
    Do I believe her?
    Fuck no.
    But her lies are the least of my problems at the moment. The most pressing issue is Scout and the way she isn’t dealing with September’s departure, or the fact that after talking to Libby/Sarah, she is totally out of sorts.
    Scout starts school tomorrow and I sent her off to get a shower. I just couldn’t look at her sad face any longer. It’s not as if she verbalizes her feelings.
    Fuck, she doesn’t have to because she wears her heart on her sleeve. I almost wish she would talk about it but¸ then again, there’s nothing I can say to her that I haven’t already said.
    “Did you find September?” she had asked at supper tonight.
    “Not yet, honey,” I replied. “I’m still looking.”
    “Why did she really leave, Dad?”
    “Because of me, Scout. She left because of me.”
    I had braced myself for more questions because at ten, she had to have some, but they didn’t come. We had finished our dinner in silence.
    There’s a soft knocking on the door leading out to the driveway. I peek through the kitchen doorway and see that it’s Casey standing there.
    “It’s open,” I holler down.
    “Hey,” she says, coming in and walking up the three steps that lead from the landing to the kitchen. “Jesse, I just want to offer you any help with Scout that you might need.”
    I quirk a brow where I’m standing at the sink. “And why would you want to do that?”
    She flushes a bit, likely embarrassed because I don’t mince words. There is no way in hell that I’m opening that door again. I’m not about to let her think there’s even a possibility.
    “Look, I’ve got no ulterior motives, so relax. It’s just that Catherine and Scout get on so well, and I’d be happy to have her stay with me until you get home from work.”
    I turn from the sink, crossing my arms and gaze over at her. She does wear a sincere expression, but what the hell? If I’ve learned anything it’s that women can be chameleons. Casey is no exception.
    “I’ll take you up on that as long as you allow me to pay you just like I would if she stayed at Latchkey.”
    “I won’t hear of it,” she replies quickly. “We’re neighbors. Neighbors help neighbors, right?”
    “Casey—look, I don’t like to feel beholden to anyone, you need to understand that.”
    She sighs. “Okay, how about this? I have some gutters that need replacing before winter. If I buy the materials, will you install them for me?”
    I give it a moment. “That’ll work,” I reply. “We’ve got a deal.”
    “Great,” she says with a smile. “So, you’ll let Scout know that I’ll pick her up on my way home? Just have her watch