The Lies Between Us (The Devil's Dust #4)(33)

CHERRY

3 Months Later

Sitting in my car, I watch Piper from afar. I’ve been coming up here and sitting in the gas station right across from the trailer park, watching her like a creeper. I can’t help it, though, and in doing so, I’ve learned Eric’s schedule. He works construction, I think. He came home one afternoon when I was watching Piper play; I nearly had a stroke, but he never even looked my way. He works Monday through Saturday, from sunrise to sundown. Sundays, he comes home at noon. In the mornings, he takes Piper to a trailer next door before he leaves for work, and no longer than five minutes after Piper is dropped off she runs out of the trailer to play in the playground. She’s there most of the day with the other kids. She’s never dressed in anything nice, though; in fact, she looks like a damn boy.

Looks like today is the first day of school for the kids. A bunch of them are waiting at the end of the trailer park’s drive in new clothes and shoes. They all look clean-cut and nice. I wonder if Eric put Piper in preschool this year. I sigh and bite into my donut, needing the sugar. Preschool would be good for her, give her a head start on what to expect.

My heart practically stops beating when I see Piper walking down the stairs of Eric’s house. She stops and looks at the door. Following her line of sight, I find Eric close behind her.

“Shit,” I mumble, ducking in my seat. Eric waves at her and heads toward his truck. What an *—he’s not even going to help her on the bus on her first day of school. I grit my teeth and sweep my eyes back to Piper. Her clothes look ridiculous. I glance back at Eric, curious if he just doesn’t have the means to provide for her. He’s in nice-looking clothes, though, and his boots look brand new and expensive. Does he just not care? Or is he punishing her because of me?

After Eric has driven off, I sit up in my seat. I want to go stand with her, tell her not to be scared for her first day.

The group of kids turns, and Piper’s bright smile fades. I frown. What are they saying to her? I sit up more in my seat and squint my eyes, trying to see what’s going on. One of the other kids points at her dark blue shorts, and the rest of the kids laugh. They are making fun of her. My heart sinks, and I look down at my hands.

God, why does this feel like déjà vu? Glancing back up, one of the kids pushes Piper.

“What the hell?!” I open my car door and jog across the street. “Hey, you little punk, get away from her!” I holler. All of the other kids scatter, running to the opposite side of the circle drive. I step over and grab Piper’s hand to help her up. She looks up and pins me with tear-filled eyes, and my heart slams against my ribcage with such force I can’t breathe.

What am I doing? She looks just like me. She even has freckles on her face. I can’t be here.

“Thank you,” she mutters, her voice cutting me.

“You’re—” My voice cracks. “You’re welcome,” I finish. She looks at the other kids as her tears fall down her cheeks.

“Screw them, they’re stupid,” I add. Her head whips toward me, her eyes wide. She peers back at them, then back to me and smiles.

“Yeah, screw them,” she repeats. I close my eyes and scorn myself silently for my language.

“Why were they picking on you?” I question, opening my eyes to find her looking right back at me. My heart does that panic beat against my chest again, making it feel like I’m drowning in my own guilt and regret.

She looks down, her fingers rubbing on the material of her shirt.

“Because of your clothes?” I assume. She nods.

“How come your daddy doesn’t buy you girl clothes? Or clothes that fit?”

She sighs and crosses her arms. “He says I shouldn’t worry about what I wear.” She rolls her eyes. “He always buys me boy stuff. I think he thinks I’m a boy.” I clench my jaw. That bastard. I can’t tell if he’s just being a protective father, or a f*cking prick.

The big yellow school bus screeches as it comes to a stop behind me.

“Well, I guess you better go enjoy your first day of school.” Her eyes flick from me to the bus and fear consumes them.

“Think of it as a big Twinkie. It isn’t scary, really.” I laugh as she just looks at me, swallowing hard.

“Your first day of school is going to be so much fun. You’re going to meet your teacher, and find friends.” I pause, smiling big. “And the biggest playground ever is there!” I laugh, my tone enticing. Her lips part into a toothy smile.

“I’m Piper, by the way.” She holds her hand out, and I shake it. Her little palm in my hand makes me want to cry it’s so small. I don’t want to let go, can’t help but circle my thumb along the top of her hand, feeling her soft skin.

“I’m—” I choke. I want to say her mother, I want to say Lindsay, but it’s too risky. “I’m Cherry.”

“Cherry?” Her face scrunches up. She tilts her head to the side, eyeing my leather cut. “Are you a biker?” The bus honks, and Piper jumps.

“You better get going.” I finally pull my hand from hers and give her arm a friendly squeeze. She looks up at me and beams with innocence before running off toward the bus.

“Bye, biker lady!” she hollers over her shoulder. I can’t help but giggle and cry at the same time. I got to see my daughter off for her first day of school, but the thought of her not even knowing who I am weighs heavily on my heart.