Description
Betty, James, and Augustine. The doomed love triangle from Folklore. Betty, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The girl who's followed by whispers and stares when she wanders through town. Having come from a broken home in a small town, being the target of cold stares and quiet remarks is so common, she can usually guess which of the designer-label-wearing women will say what in this sleepy town. Betty doesn't expect this to stop anytime soon, she's become accustomed to it. By now, she's accepted her role as town pariah. Betty has spent her life trying to run from her mother's. After a painful divorce during Betty's first years, her mother is often distant, leaving Betty to navigate the world almost alone. Almost. Augustine, or Gus, attends church every week. Her parents, Mary and Dave, have a perfect marriage. At least, they give a good impression of one. Gus is constantly under scrutiny by the people around her. The expectations to be good, to help until it hurts, weighs on her shoulders a bit more every day. Except for Betty. Gus will do anything for her best friend. Gus has spent her entire life by Betty's side. After a chance meeting as girls, Betty and Gus have had every experience together. Betty leans on Gus through trials with her mother, and her own issues now coming to light. Gus, has never seen such a bright soul, often dreading the last blow that'll take her light away, permanently. Betty is always smiling, with a childlike wonder that Gus hopes won't ever fade. When James, a quiet, kind teen, moves to Rhode Island from the city - Betty is immediately smitten. But, when Betty is sent to a mental health camp for struggling teens after a scare, the three are about to learn the meanings of friendship, love, loyalty, and heartbreak.
Excerpt: Epilogue
