Rich slapped Eddie on the back. “His uncle talked us into boosting some cars for him. We got caught. Now his uncle denies having anything to do with it.”
“Who’s your uncle?”
Eddie shrugged. “He owns a shop in Sun Valley called Hell on Wheels. Ever heard of it?”
I nodded. “That’s who was going to pay me to boost the Maserati.”
Eddie chuckled. “Sounds like Uncle Lyle. He’s a liar and a thief, but he will pay you if you get the car to him in the time he wants.”
“Yeah, this wasn’t my first boost.”
“Well, for what it’s worth, it probably won’t be your last either.” He smirked. “Hell, from where I stand, I feel like we have a lot in common. So, if you’re looking for protection around here. You got it. Consider us your new friends.”
My eyes flipped from one boy to the next. “Sounds good.” It’s dismissive and a bit lack luster in acceptance, but had I known that I would be meeting my two best friends that day, I probably would’ve been a little more excited.
Eddie and Rich got me through juvie. Hell, they got me through it the second time when we decided to steal a fucking car from a bar parking lot and take it on a joyride, only to get chased by the cops and end up in a ditch a few minutes later.
I just wish I had them with me when I got sent to prison. Maybe if they had been there, I wouldn’t have gotten jumped or missed out on snagging the only girl who ever meant something to me.
Chapter One
Poppy
(Three Years Later)
My sister throws herself onto my bed, sighing dramatically as if the whole world has come crashing down on her. It’s a normal reaction for her, especially after seeing Eddie for the fifth time this week.
“Let me guess, you had another“cool”hangout day with Eddie?”
She smirks, ignoring my air quotes like they mean nothing.
“You don’t get it, Poppy. You’ve never been in love before.”
“In love? You just met the guy.”
Rolling her eyes, she pops up into a sitting position, grinning. “But he’s everything I’ve ever wanted, Poppy. I can’t wait for you and Amber to meet him. I know he’s the one. I feel it in my bones. Speaking of which, you’re going on a double date with me tonight.”
“Me? Why the hell would I go on a double date with you?”
She laughs. “Because you’re eighteen, have never been on a date before, and prom is right around the corner. Eddie’s got two friends who are adorable. Honestly, I feel like his friendWesley would be perfect for you. He’s kinda short, but damn is he handsome. There are a lot of girls who would kill to date him.”
Picking up the book I was reading, I ignore her. “I have too much going on to date anyone right now. We’re getting close to finals, and I want to make sure I secure my spot as valedictorian so I can get into the schools I want.”
“I thought you were holding off on going Ivy League until you get core classes done?” she questions, pouting a little.
We’ve discussed going to college together, but I’ve always given up everything for my twin sister. This is one time I want to branch out on my own.
“I’m just keeping my options open, Pippa.”
She sighs loudly. “Well, tonight is gonna be different. Tonight, you’re going out with Eddie and me, and meeting his friend Wesley.”
“Do I really have to?”
She nods. “Amber’s busy, and I need my twin beside me. I’m hoping tonight will be the night he finally asks me out.” There’s a long pause before she starts whining again. “Pleeeeease, Poppy. I already told Eddie we’d be there.”
Throwing my book onto the bed, I sigh dramatically. “Fine, but if this guy’s a troll, I’m out.”
“Trust me, he’s not. He’s hot as fuck and a bit of a grease monkey, just like Eddie.”
