He swerved onto the road and put his foot down, making me tense in my seat.
“You sure about that?”
I wasn’t about to admit to him that ever since Danny’s car accident I’d felt nervous riding with people I didn’t know. I didn’t want to admit to a weakness.
“Is this what Zak was talking about earlier? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?” I asked, steering the conversation away from my fears. Hopefully a bit more sparring with him would also occupy my mind away from other things too.
“Is that what he told you?” He wasn’t giving anything away with his answer.
“I’m the rat, aren’t I? The one you think goes running back to Daddy every chance she gets.”
“Don’t you?”
“No. I’ve barely spoken to my father in the last few years. I doubt he even knows or cares where I am half the time.”
“And that bothers you?” He was doing a rubbish job at hiding his contempt for my father. The anger coming off him was palpable.
“No. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. I’m interested to know why it bothers you though.”
“Why do you think I’m bothered?” He was clenching his jaw tight and tapping his hand on the steering wheel, all tell-tale signs that he was mad.
“If you wanna know something, just ask. I’m not fluent in bullshit.”
He flared his nostrils and huffed. “Be careful what you wish for, Winters. That perfect little life you lead might come crashing down around your ears one day.”
“Perfect little life? Fuck off, Ryan. If you have something to say, say it.”
“Fine. Ask your Dad about the Rotherham account.” I screwed my face up. I had absolutely no clue what he was on about.
“Ask him.” He turned to face me now, his expression deadly serious.
“Fine. I’ll do that.”
He pulled into my road and stopped a few houses down from mine.
“I’ll park here. Wouldn’t want Daddy getting pissed about the battered-up old van bringing down the neighbourhood.”
I went to open my door then remembered it was broken. He didn’t move though. Instead, he gripped his steering wheel and blew out a low breath.
“Danny was a good friend to me.” His comment came from left-field. “I respected him.” He turned to look at me. “I don’t respect your father though. And right now, I’m still not sure which one you take after.”
“Not everything is black and white, Ryan.” I batted that ball straight back at him. “Danny was a good guy, the best brother any girl could wish for, but maybe I don’t take after either of them. Ever think of that?”
He smiled to himself and shook his head. “That’s exactly what I thought.” Then he pushed his door open and got out.
I stretched my legs across to climb out and clung to the driver’s door to pull myself up.
“I’ll walk you to your door,” he said, but I shut him down.
“No ne
ed. I can find my own way home. I don’t need your help.”
He folded his arms over his chest and gave me a stare. “Rotherham account,” was all he said back to me.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
I marched towards my house and stopped when I got to the foot of my driveway. I turned to find him still standing there, arms folded and watching every step I took.