Bab 23: 23. Red Corvette

'She's hot, I can't deny that. Her body is divine, but I have to play this smart.'

[You're right. Take your time.]

Outside, Farrah stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, her posture casual but her expression impatient. She straightened as soon as she saw Cara approach.

"Finally," Farrah said, brushing her hands together. "What took you so long? I've been waiting forever."

"Sorry," Cara replied, adjusting her bag. "I got caught up talking to Jackie. She was asking about my day, and…I've got to say, she seems nice." Cara deliberately left out the part about Jackie's confession and the way it had been looping in her mind ever since.

"I told you, she's the best boss around," Farrah said with a shrug. "Do you remember why you two were arguing on the day you—well, you know?"

"No," Cara admitted, shaking her head to sell the lie. "I still don't remember. I just hope whatever it was doesn't ruin what I think of her now."

"I'm almost certain it won't," Farrah replied, flashing a reassuring smile.

They made their way toward the parking lot, which was little more than a gravel clearing in front of the diner. As they walked, Farrah shifted the conversation. "So, I probably scared you with what happened in the kitchen today, huh?"

Cara hesitated, glancing at her friend. "No…well, maybe a little," she admitted. "Have you told anyone else about it?"

"Yeah, my dad. But all he did was tell me to pray and read the Bible," Farrah said with a frustrated sigh. "That hasn't helped at all."

"What about your mom?" Cara asked, faintly recalling Farrah's family situation.

"She's…barely around anymore. Always traveling, and it's only gotten worse since she and my dad separated," Farrah said, her voice tight. "The only person I think could really help is my grandmother. But my dad warned me not to talk to her."

"Why would he do that?" Cara asked, puzzled.

Farrah sighed again, her gaze dropping to the ground as they walked. "He says she has…'diabolic and barbaric' beliefs that aren't of God. That she'll corrupt me and lead me to evil."

Cara blinked in disbelief. "He said that about his own mother?"

"Yeah, shocking, right? But at this point, I have no choice. She's the only one who might be able to help me figure out what's happening to me," Farrah said, determination flickering in her eyes.

"Do you know where she lives?" Cara asked, intrigued.

"I do. But she lives far from town, practically out in the woods," Farrah said. She hesitated before continuing, "I'll need your help to get there. Will you come with me?"

"Of course," Cara said without hesitation. A small grin tugged at her lips. "When are we going to see this diabolic grandma of yours?" she teased.

Farrah smirked but didn't get a chance to answer. A sleek red Corvette suddenly sped past them, only to reverse and stop right in front of them. The driver's-side window rolled down, revealing Travis sitting behind the wheel.

He climbed out of the car with effortless charm, his smirk lighting up his face. "Do you ladies fancy a ride home?"

Before Cara could respond, Farrah practically squealed, "Yes, yes! Take me home, Travis!"

Travis chuckled and winked, opening the passenger door for her. Cara stood back for a moment, observing how quickly her friend slid into the seat beside him. She couldn't help but notice the way Farrah's face lit up—her friend clearly had the hots for Travis.

Cara, on the other hand, hadn't forgotten what Travis had done the night before. Still, she climbed into the backseat without a word, watching as he flashed another grin and hopped back behind the wheel.

The Corvette roared to life as Travis zoomed out of the diner's parking lot, the evening air rushing past them. Cara sat quietly in the back, her thoughts drifting between Farrah's mysterious powers, Jackie's confession, and the lingering questions surrounding her own death.

Whatever lay ahead, it was clear that Sylvester's second chance at life was already shaping up to be far from simple or basic.

—--

—---

After dropping off Farrah at her father's house, Cara remained in the backseat of the car, watching her friend attempt—yet again—to charm Travis. Farrah was practically throwing herself at him, laughing at his dry jokes and flashing him looks that screamed interest. Even a blind man could tell she had feelings for him.

But for some reason, Travis didn't reciprocate. He just kept teasing her, playing it cool, as if her attention didn't faze him.

Cara couldn't understand why he hadn't made a move—Farrah was practically offering herself on a silver platter. Still, she didn't bother reading his mind to figure it out. She wasn't in the mood to wade through whatever depraved thoughts were likely swirling in there.

Maybe he doesn't see her that way, Cara thought, though she wasn't convinced. Honestly, she preferred it that way. Farrah could do so much better than a dirtbag like Travis.

Farrah stepped out of the car, turning back to wave. "Goodbye, Travis. And Cara, see you tomorrow."

"We still have a lot to discuss, so once I get home, I'll chat you up," Cara said as Farrah smiled and walked toward the white picket-fenced house.

As soon as Farrah disappeared inside, Travis turned to Cara, his smirk already in place. "Would you mind coming up to the front seat?"

Cara leaned back, pretending to think about it, before replying flatly, "No, I'd rather stay here."

Travis chuckled, shook his head, and started the car.

They drove in silence for a while, the only sounds coming from the hum of the engine and the occasional notification from Cara's phone. Finally, Travis broke the silence.

"You know, I'm not always like I was yesterday," he said.

"Wow. So you're not always sexually depraved?" Cara shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Travis chuckled. "I wouldn't put it that way, but okay. I just got too excited seeing you again after you died."

Cara rolled her eyes, barely looking up from her phone. "You know what, Travis? We don't have to talk. Just drive."

But Travis wasn't done. Smiling slyly, he said, "You know, I could've easily fucked your friend right in this car if I wanted to."

Cara's head snapped up at that. "So what stopped you? Don't tell me you suddenly developed a shred of human decency."

Travis hit the brakes hard, jerking the car to an abrupt stop. He turned around, his face serious for the first time that evening.

"You stopped me," he said evenly. "You made me promise not to do anything with your friend. And, believe it or not, I'm a man of my word."

Cara stared at him, her mind reeling. There was no trace of dishonesty in his words, no telltale sign of a lie. She was shocked, not just by what he said but by the fact that she had no memory of making such a demand.

And yet, somehow, she believed him.

"And get of your high horse, I know you fucked my sister last night," Travis said, with a smug expression.