He cocks an eyebrow.
“You don’t know him.”
“Okay.”
“He was only there the night I stole that car because I called him for help. And this.” I hold the arm with the wrist support up. “He told me to get back in the car when those guys showed up, but I didn’t.”
Bryce’s expression wavers at that. “Did they jump him because he’s queer?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think it was just that.”
Bryce takes a deep breath. “Apparently he wouldn’t name them to the police.”
“How do you know that?”
“Your mother spoke to his boss. If he gives us names, we can make it go away.”
I snort. “Who are you? Tony Soprano?”
“I meant legally, Nathan. How many painkillers did they give you?”
“A lot.”
He glances down sadly at my wrist.
“Your tennis season is over.”
My heart sinks. “Yeah.”
He leans over and puts his hand on my head. “You’re a good kid. I just want what’s best for you. That’s all your mother and I want.”
I have to bite back tears.
The door opens and a nurse comes in. “We’re ready for you, Nathan. Time to put the cast on.”
I turn to Bryce. “Can you please tell Evan I’m sorry, and make sure … ” I blush. “I don’t know if he has insurance. We owe him that much, at-”
“Go with the nurse. I’ll sort it.”
16
EVAN
When Nate’s mom came into the waiting room, she saw me and walked back out again. That was about twenty minutes ago.
I watch the window to see if I can catch Nate coming out. The nurse said he was okay, but she wouldn’t give me any other information. Nate’s mom and stepdad sure as shit aren’t going to tell me anything.
The door opens and that guy in a fancy-ass suit comes in again. I recognized him the second I saw him from the pictures in Nate’s house. He doesn’t look as polished in real life.
I stand, waiting for him to punch me or something. Then I remember guys like that don’t like to get their hands dirty. Maybe he’ll try to buy me off or threaten my family or something. I square my shoulders.
“Stand down, son,” he says.
I do as he says, instinctually, and a second later I realize why. He reminds me of those guys I’d let fuck me. Fresh shame fills me and I can barely look him in the eye.
Taking the seat opposite mine, he clasps his handstogether between his legs. He wears a simple gold wedding band. The flash of a shiny watch is visible just under his cuff.
“Nathan told me what happened.”
