SOLVED. High school, he's poor, his dad is a mean drunk[s]

[Peg]

Story about a girl and boy in high school. He barters at a grocer for food. His mother left and his dad drinks and beats him. He has a lock inside of his bedroom door, his dad changes them, beats him and locks him in. Her parents are working a lot. He comes over and she feeds him, they hang out in her room. he missed some school so she goes to his house and ends up involved during a fight. I think the cops come at that point.

[Kris]

Peggy, what year did you read this book? This will help narrow down the search.

What's the location - U.S./country, big city/small town/region?

[Jenny]

Can you remember anything else?

[Peg]

He missed some school and she's concerned so she goes to his house and hears his father beating him, gets in the middle of it and hurt. I think she manages to hit the father and knock him out. Located in a US city large enough to have a substantial hospital and segregated neighborhoods.

[Peter]

Sounds like a Chris Crutcher plot, but not any of his books that I've read.

[Peg]

Found this book. It's The Secret Life of Trystan Scott #3/4 by HM Ward.

[Kris]

Peggy, glad you found your book - and thanks for the update. Here's the link - Riptide (The Secret Life of Trystan Scott, #3) by H.M. Ward. Series link - https://www.goodreads.com/series/8672...