“Don’t worry about me. I think I gained everyone’s trust today.”
Just not Conner’s.
“I’m going to look further into Conner and see what comes up too. If he seriously feels threatened by both men likeyou say, maybe that’s how you can get him to open up. Let him know you’re on his side.” Miller suggests.
“You’re not afraid he’s going to catch on and start piecing together my cover story?”
“No. If it sounds like his family is being threatened, I’ll bet he’s willing to do anything to make sure they’re safe. Plus, it sounds like he’s the one in charge of making the money look legit. We need him. Do whatever you have to do.”
We talk for a few more minutes before hanging up, and I throw my glasses in the passenger seat and wipe the exhaustion from my face. I did not wake up today expecting to witness someone get shot in the head. To be fair, I don’t think any of us did. But, that kind of shit can fuck with you, and I need to compartmentalize it so it doesn’t affect my mental well-being.
I need Jordan like I need air right now so I can forget it ever happened.
I just hope she’s not mad that I bailed on her this morning.
She deserves better than that.
Chapter 16
Jordan
When I woke up this morning, the last thing I expected was to find the bed empty and cold, with a note from Lucas saying he got called into work and he wasn’t sure when he would be back.
I suppose a note is better than nothing, but there was a small part of me that felt hurt that he wasn’t in the bed next to me. That’s my fault though. It’s not like we’ve defined what this is. Do people even still do that?
I still can’t get over how amazing last night was. Every expectation I had for my first time was blown away by how Lucas manipulated my body into the most intense pleasure. I could get used to doing that on the regular...especially with him.
The rest of the night ended peacefully, despite the weird thing with his glasses. I’m sure I’m just overreacting. After everything I’ve been through, I know I’m on edge. It’s normal for me to be overly suspicious about most things these days.
After I got myself ready, I went to help out at the coffee shop like I normally do on the weekends, filling in where they needed me. And they needed me alright. The place was packed when I showed up, and Penny put me to work as soon as Iarrived. I think she could tell something was up, but every time she tried to talk to me, we would get interrupted.
We’ve finally got the place cleaned up and it’s the afternoon now with no customers in sight. Penny’s parents took Autumn for the rest of the day after the rush ended, and Edna’s in the back taking her lunch break.
“Damn, today was busy,” Penny sighs as she plants herself in a chair and throws an arm over her face dramatically.
I chuckle and take a seat across from her. “You’re going to need to hire more people if this keeps up.”
“It’s the fall drinks. Basic bitches go coo-coo over them. Maybe I need to keep them on the menu all year long.”
“It’s not a bad idea,” I agree.
She leans forward and looks me in the eye. “What was up with you today? When you walked in here you were glowing.”
My face starts to heat, and I lean back in my chair. “You have to promise you won’t freak out.” I need to tell her about my apartment too. Maybe now’s a good time.
She holds up three fingers like a Boy Scout. “I promise I won’t freak out. Now spill.”
“My apartment flooded this last week.”
“What! Why didn’t you tell me? Is it fixed? Where the hell have you been staying? You need to stay with me. There’s no way that’s why you looked like you got laid this morning.”
“Slow down, slow down,” I chuckle. “It’s not fixed, but it should be by the end of next week. Hopefully sooner. And I may or may not be staying with Lucas.” I cover my face when I admit the last bit.
“Lucas? Do you mean Mr. Rambo?” Her face goes from confusion to excitement in a split second. “Holy shit! You’re staying with him? How? When? And you totally lost your virginity, didn’t you?” she practically yells to the empty coffee shop.
I groan out loud. “It’s not a big deal. It only happened last night. And besides, he was gone when I woke up this morning. Something to do with work. I’m not one hundred percent sure.”
“I want all the details, like yesterday.” Excitement is radiating off her.
