Twisted by Lisa Harrington

know.” I hang my stuff on the row of hooks out back.
    â€œGive me something. It must have been more exciting than mine.”
    â€œAidan wants me to go home to River John for Christmas,” I say. “Just sprung it on me, out of the blue.”
    â€œI’m guessing you’re not too crazy about the idea,” he says, sliding a stack of bills into a Ziploc bag.
    â€œThat’s an understatement.”
    He reaches for a paper tube to roll loonies. “Would it be so terrible? Going home?”
    â€œLeave the coin,” I say. “I’ll do it later.”
    â€œYou didn’t answer my question.”
    I nudge him out of the way. “Without getting into all the gory details — I swore I’d never go back. Not while Vince is there.”
    â€œAnd Vince is …?”
    â€œSorry. My stepfather. Aidan’s dad.”
    A man comes up to the counter and orders a decaf, to go. I pour his coffee, take his money.
    â€œKeep the change,” he says.
    â€œThanks.” I take out the difference and drop it into a cup beside the register. “But the thing is,” I continue, “I wouldn’t go back even if Vince wasn’t there.”
    â€œDidn’t you grow up there?”
    â€œYeah. But my dad died in a car accident when I was eight.” I realize that probably doesn’t explain much. “I don’t really remember feeling very happy after that.” It surprises me how it all just flows out of my mouth.
    â€œNot a lot of great memories back there, then.”
    â€œNo … well, some … not many, and certainly not lately.” Then it hits me. No happy memories, no mom, no dad, no Kyle, no home. Suddenly I’m filled with self-pity. I have nothing. Nothing except Aidan. And then I think of Caroline. “I have a best friend there,” I say.
    He’s quiet for a second. “Life is full of steaming piles of crap. But maybe there’s only so much crap to go around. Maybe you’ve reached your quota and it’ll be smooth sailing from now on.”
    I try to smile. I want to say, “Nice thought,” but the words catch and don’t make it out.
    He slips on his jacket and slings his messenger bag over his shoulder. “I’m off to meet my study group. You’re working for Anna?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œI might see you later then. A bunch of us are meeting here before a movie.”
    â€œOkay.” A movie. What’s it like to do something normal and fun like go to a movie?
    After Liam leaves, it starts to get busy, which helps make the time fly. I’m down to only five muffins, so as soon as there’s a break in the action I throw together another batch of batter. I just finish sliding a tray into the oven when I hear a voice.
    â€œExcuse me. This mug seems to be dirty.”
    There’s something in her tone. I can tell she’s going to be a pain in the ass. I plaster on a happy face before turning around.
    It doesn’t happen right away. It takes me a few seconds to place her. She’s rubbing the rim of the cup with her thumb and hasn’t looked up. There’s no doubt, though. I’m sure it’s her. I’ll never forget. Rosalyn. The slut in Kyle’s apartment.
    She finally lifts her head. Something flickers across her face, but I can tell she hasn’t figured it out yet.
    â€œHere,” I say, pulling myself together. “Let me take it. I’ll get you a fresh one.”
    Her eyes narrow slightly. “Thanks,” she says.
    I’m just handing her a new coffee when I see Liam come in. He strides up to the counter, a huge smile on his face.
    â€œHey,” I say, smiling back. “How was your …?” I don’t get to finish. My mouth falls open in horror as I watch him drape his arm around the slut’s shoulders.
    â€œI see you’ve met Lynnie,” he says.

CHAPTER 15
    T here’s an acidic taste in the back of