Page 160 of Lessons in Cruelty

Melissa stands so fast her chair almost falls over. “How dare you speak to one of our sisters like that?”

“Actually, Melissa?” Hillary leans forward, arms on the table, boxing in the impressively thick file she’s compiled for the dance. “Haven isn’t a sister. She’s not even a pledge.“

“That’s right, Parker,” I say, pocketing my chewed-up stick in favor of unwrapping a fresh new sucker. “Haven’s a rescue.” I pop the new sucker in my mouth, swirling it over my tongue.

That ought to do it.

But the bitch ignores me. Haven fucking ignores me.

She’s looking at Hillary, grabbing Melissa’s wrist and urging her back into her seat.

Yeah, I’ve heard this one.

Don’t feed the trolls, right, Haven?

I don’t eat scrawny mice like you. Hunger won’t drive me away from this bridge. I’m here to stay.

Unlike you.

“We could use some ideas, if you’ve got any,” Hillary says.

I purse my lips, flicking out my hands, giving Haven the floor. If she wants the spotlight on her so badly, then she must have it. She won’t come crying to me when she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone.

“Uh…yeah…I don’t have a copy of the list, but is there pet food on there?”

I laugh, but no one joins me.

Fuck, no one’s even looking at me.

“This is a charity event for people, not animals,” Hillary explains carefully, as if Haven’s IQ is lower than her BMI.

That kinda pisses me off. I never implied Haven was dumb, just poor. If Hillary doesn’t let up, she’s going straight onto my shit list.

“Riversiders love animals.” Haven has the fucking audacity to look over at me like she’s making a point. “Everyone I knew had a dog and shared a few cats between them and their neighbors.”

They laugh at that for some fucked-up reason. I cross my arms over my chest, gobsmacked by what the fuck is happening. When did my mangy church mouse turn into a show pony?

“Pet food is really expensive, so we—they buy the cheapest brand. That stuff’s so bad for the animals, they end up needing vet visits no one can afford.”

“And?” I scoff. “No shortage of shotguns down there.”

Now everyone’s paying attention to me.

Hillary even fucking gasps.

“Jesus, come on!” I throw my hands up. “It was a fucking joke.”

“Animal cruelty is a joke to you?” Haven snaps.

My mouth opens, but fuck it if all my words don’t dry up. If she’s talking about that fucking squirrel again, I swear⁠—

“Actually, that’s an excellent suggestion.” Hillary points at Haven with her pen before making a note in her file. “I’ll add it to the next social media announcement.”

Haven’s eyes flick to Hillary. “Do you maybe know of a vet who’d offer some pro bono consultations?”

Hillary points at her with the back of her glittery blue pen. “I love it!” She scratches down something in her folder, then snaps it closed so fast I flinch. “Right. Meeting adjourned. Thanks everyone.”

I stay in my seat, glaring at Haven as she stands with the rest of them. She hangs back a moment, throwing the departing students a quick glance, and then leans her hands on the dining table, openly glaring at me.