She gives me a careful look, taking in the dress. Probably my wild hair. “What can I do for you?”
“I need to report something. I’m not sure what to call it when a man throws you over his shoulder, unwillingly, then handcuffs you to a bed without your consent. He kissed me. He grabbed my breast.”
She stands. Looks me over. “Come back and have a seat. Did this happen tonight?”
I fidget as I sit, crossing my legs. “A few weeks ago. I saw him tonight, though.” I stare down at my hands. “I beat his car with a tire iron and threatened him. He’ll probably report it. His name is Parker Cavendish.”
She blinks. “I understand. Let me get a detective.”
30
Julia
I’m in bed at two in the afternoon when my bedroom door bursts open and Taylor waltzes in and plops down. “Rise and shine, love. I’m back from Christmas and wanna hear everything about your party at Eric’s.”
Like a splash of happy, he’s wearing green pants and a bright yellow sweater.
I’m so happy to see him that I squeal and throw my arms around him.
“You have no idea what’s been going on,” I say as I sit up in bed and pull my knees up to my chest. My mirror against the wall tells the story. Tangled hair, red eyes, and there’s even a spot of red pizza sauce on my chin.
In the five days since the party, I’ve barely noticed life. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my mom and put on a happy face, but when I came home—alone—I ate whatever I could find and watched a long line of Christmas movies. Last night I worked at the club bartending and was glad to be around people.
I’ve been to the police station once more since that first night when I sat in a small room and wrote my witness statement. At the last visit, I was interviewed by a special investigator. I recounted my relationship with Parker, his phone texts, his brothers who wouldn’t let me leave the Kappa house that night.
After I left the station, I felt more in control of my life than I had in a year. I drove to Eric’s house in town, left his keys in the ignition, and walked home.
“Spill all the tea. Was it a big house? Did you have a blast? Also, what are we doing for New Year’s Eve?” He smiles, then sobers as he gets a look at my face. He sweeps the hair out of my face. “Julia?”
I pour the entire story out in a rush, from the party to Parker showing up, to the police station.
“That was very brave,” he says softly. “Reporting him is a way to bring light to sexual assault on campus. Or anywhere.”
I nod. “He’ll just keep doing it to other girls. I don’t want that.”
“And Eric? Have you heard from him since that night?”
I worry my lip between my teeth. “He finally texted the night of the party.” But only because the valet had gone inside to tell them what happened between me and Parker.
“And?”
“I told him I needed space.” I pluck at the quilt on my bed as I recall our brief texts. He wanted to call me, but I didn’t want to talk. It felt too fresh. And I was still reeling with the police stuff—which I didn’t mention. “I mean, obviously, he needs time. He ditched me for his dad.” My throat prickles.
“Sweetheart . . .”
“I don’t mean to sound petty. It’s not just about him not rushing after me at the party. I get that his father has a hold on him. I get that he wants to make his parents happy. The thing is, he never even told them I was coming. I need to forget about him and focus on my mom and me.” My voice hitches.
Maybe I should have waited inside for him. I don’t know.
Maybe he should have chased after me. I don’t know.
What is true, is that we need a breather.
He pats my hand. “You love him?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Bollocks,” Taylor says as he hugs me.
He urges me up and we go downstairs.
I smile wanly. “When is Poppy coming in?”
“Sometime today.”
I fix him a hot tea, hand it to him, then make mine. I sit at the table and swish in the creamer.
The doorbell rings. “Julia?” Eric calls from the porch.
I sit up straighter. “I don’t want to see him.” Because if I do, I might change my mind.
“Got it.” Taylor grabs a fork off the table, waggles his eyebrows, then marches into the den and opens the door.
I follow and listen from the hallway.
“Hello. Sorry, but Julia is indisposed,” Taylor says.
My heart clenches, and before I know it, I’m coming around the corner and stand next to Taylor.