Loud.
Chaotic.
Talks like he’s narrating a vlog.
But he’s weirdly organized. Everything in this toolbox is labelled, and his car is clean.
I don’t know why, but I expected a mess. Not that I’m complaining.
I hate mess.
“You know,” he says, returning my attention to him, “I know someone who could help you out with getting a car sorted.”
I raise a brow. “Yeah? What makes you thinkIneedyourhelp?”
“Well, you’ve been looking around Olé Betsy for a while, so I figured you’d be interested in getting your own.”
My neck heats. The cheek to think he could have something I want is beyond laughable.
“I’m just surprised you can keep the fucking thing clean. With the way you play, I just assumed you were naturally sloppy.”
Solace bursts out laughing again. “Ha! There’s that arrogance I heard so much about.”
“Tuh.” I look out the window at my Croydon. When he jumped up and offered me a ride and his toolbox back in the lockers, I wasn’t thinking of what I’d be getting myself into.
Still, he wasn’t terrible to be around. Annoying, sure, but stomachable in small doses.
He taps the steering wheel. “On a serious note though, you were good today.”
I didn’t look his way.
“I know.”
“Bruv.” He nudges my shoulder. “Just take the fucking compliment, Titan.”
I roll my eyes but give him a grudging, “Thanks.”
Silence felt uncomfortable after that.
“The team’s decent,” I added.
“And me?” he asks.
“You’re part of the team, aren’t you?”
He laughsagain. “Haha! I’ll take that. That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me.”
“Do not get used to it. Niceties are rarely passed out by me. Between fixing my sister’s table and this conversation, I’m spent.”
“Hmph! Noted.”
seven
hold that.
Jabari.
We pullup to Zaza’s building, and I hop out before he finishes parking with the toolbox in hand.
