“I did! We made spaghetti. They let us use the kitchen. It’s real nice. You should come next time, too, Cap.”
Cap had that fond look on her face again. “Maybe.” It went away when she said to me, “Anyways, thank you. Malik will be there again, I’m sure.”
They returned, with Malik giving me a small wave over his shoulder. Cap bent down, saying something to him, and he giggled before both disappeared inside again.
My phone buzzed.
Taking it out, I saw a text from Palma and one from Marshall.
I didn’t even want to check the time. I knew I was so late.
Palma: Where are you??? We’re here. There are so many hot guys here. You need to come, woman. Come. As in literal and well... The other literal way too. Okay. Just kidding on that one. They have these purple drinks that are deadly. They’re delish. You’ll see when you finally get here. Get here!
Marshall: I was able to get in without a date, but are you still coming?
It was almost eleven.
I did the math in my head and knew my lateness would be ridiculous. That was if I took the subway. Uh ... I did have an alternative option for traveling.
I glanced to my left.
A guy unglued himself from some shadows and approached. Footsteps sounded deftly on the sidewalk.
It was Creighton’s watcher, and I waited as he stepped close enough to scan my phone screen, seeing the text messages.
“I can have a vehicle here in five minutes.”
Of course he could because Creighton’s army was literally anywhere.
Worrying about Malik and keeping old memories at bay had taken a toll on me.
“Thanks.”
I gave in.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Blake
We arrived at a warehouse titled Warehouse A, and I instantly understood how Heath had the hookup. Because one of his real-life brothers was in attendance, and the reason his brother was here was because he wasrunning the whole thing. I knew this because the guys at the door said to head for the bar to check in with Nogoskeski.
Because he’d been put in charge of itby Creighton.
This was Creighton’s warehouse.
How was this happening all over again?
I told him to stay away from me. He responded by showing up in my bedroom and giving me back my things. Now this.
As I was let inside, I got there in time to see Heath’s brother coming down some stairs. He skimmed the group, saw Heath, and went over to hug him.
I felt like I was in a different reality because as I headed their way, Heath began introducing his brother to the rest of their group. It was Marshall, Palma, some of Palma’s friends from the other time we’d ended up at Creighton’s nightclub, and a few guys that I guessed were the friends Marshall and Heath mentioned.
Palma saw me and squealed, coming over for a hug like the night at the club. Marshall saw me and gave me a nod but remained at the bar. He was talking to a girl and, from the looks of it, had no intention of leaving her anytime soon. I snorted to myself. I could see now how he got in. Needed a date, my ass. He had a date.
Seeing me, Heath came over. His head lowered an inch, and he grabbed at the back of his neck. It was a whole “awe shucks” and sheepish mannerism. He gestured behind him. “Marsh saw my brother’s text, and it spiraled from there. I’m sorry.”
I wasn’t sure what he was apologizing for because we hadn’t acknowledged the common thread linking us. Technically. But I was guessing that’s what he was referencing, apologizing for not giving me the heads-up?
