There is no way I want to be the odd man out, isolated and sleeping alone while listening to them have sex. As I have in the past.
This will be good for Tavi and Eden because they want to be in a threesome. The thought hits me weirdly hard. These girls are my best friends. I want them to be happy, especially together, but tonight I feel so left out it kills me.
A ride-share to my parents’ house makes the most sense, but I can’t stand the idea of a fight right now. Which there always is when I’m home, since I won’t cave in to manipulation anymore. I need to score a ride back to GU instead, I guess.
“You go in. I’m gonna grab a ride-share to my parents,’” I lie.
There are rounds of protests from the girls until I almost start to cry. Why did we have to come here? Why couldn’t we have gone to a hotel and watched movies while raiding the mini bar?
“We’ll wait, mía,” Octavia says.
“No,” I say too sharply. “I’m sorry. I love you, Tav.” I lower my voice and inject as much sweetness as I can. “Just go up. I want to be alone, so I can call the Viking back.”
Eden and Tavi exchange looks and climb out of the car. Before Eden closes the door, she says, “My security is parked down the block. You know the car, right?”
I nod.
“All right, talk to Erik. Then, come inside.” Eden closes the door, and she and Tavi head into the posh building.
The Viking has called twice, the last time two hours ago. I didn’t answer or even text. I figured he discovered the missing items, and the conversation would not go well.
I shouldn’t have taken his stuff. I don’t even completely understand why I did. The gun, sure, because I felt vulnerable and wanted a way to protect myself. But the money… so complicated. Just like my feelings about Erik. Complicated.
When I left in the morning I was so frustrated. I had to get away from GU. But as the day wore on, I wanted to talk things out with him. More than that. I wanted him to retrieve me. The way he would a lost cell phone or wallet.Or stacks of cash and a gun?
As my head spins from lack of sleep and cocktails, I can’t resist anymore. Even though I’m afraid of how a fight with Erik will end, it’s better than sitting alone.
When I press the icon to call him, I nearly press the other to end it just as quickly because I have no idea what to even say.
He answers before I have a chance. “Arya.” There’s a disapproving undercurrent to his tone.
“Don’t be a prick, all right? If you are, I’ll have to hang up, and if I spend the night on the street, I don’t know what will happen to me.”
After a beat, he says, “Where are you?”
“Boston.”
“Drop a pin in your location.”
“Why? You’ll come?”
“Of course.”
I don’t realize I’ve been holding my breath until I exhale. “I didn’t spend it. Or much.”
“The money? I’m not worried about that. Drop the pin, so I can come get you.”
My hammering heart squeezes extra hard. He’s more concerned about me than the things I took. That’s something at least.
“I’m on the street. Outside, but in. A car, I mean. Maybe I’ll have to go in the lobby. Do you think it’s too cold for me to sit out here for an hour if the car’s not running?” I don’t think my words are making sense anymore.
There’s silence for several moments. He must think I’m insane. I mark my location and then rest my head against the passenger window.
“Car doors locked?”
“Yes.”
“Keep them that way.”
