“We tie him up in the basement? Get the cattle prod out?”
“Honey, it’s finally happened. Amy has become a real live college girl!” Charlotte scoops me into her arms.
I shove her away. “Urgh! Boundaries, people!”
“Bullshit!” Raven screeches.
“Just ignore your sister, sweetie.” Charlotte smiles at me. “I’m so happy you finally made a friend who doesn’t look like an organ harvester.”
“I think I’m gonna be sick.”
I manage to prize myself out of their clutches, darting between them and racing past Joey. He’s sitting there with his eyes locked on the screen, riveted by a parade of singing cartoon characters. I clench my jaw.What kind of sick fuck comes up with this stuff?
I fix myself more coffee, bracing for Raven to circle back for another shot.
“Make me one?” she pleads, dragging out a chair.
“That all you got?”
She pats her belly. “This little guy is slowing me down.”
I carry the coffeepot over and pour her a mug.
“Anyway, my curiosity is winning out.” She takes a sip. “What exactly have you got going on with Lewis?”
“He’s just training me up to be a Campus Driver,” I say, as casually as I can.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it literally just happened, Raven. It wasn’t a sure deal.”
“I don’t like it when you go all secretive on me.”
“We’re not in Brooklyn anymore.”
She thinks for a moment, stirring her coffee absent-mindedly. “You sure you can handle it on top of your classes? I know you’re worried about money, but we’re doing just fine, you know…”
“I live here,” I protest. “I want to help out.”
“I never asked you to—especially not if it messes with your studies. Just two years to go, and you’ll be graduating.”
“Don’t worry about it. Lewis is really on it, and if he can handle the driving, plus his basketball, I’m sure I’ll be fine. I really,reallywant to be a Campus Driver, and it’ll look good on my record—the dean loves these guys.”
“You’ll need to be on your best behavior, you know.”
She flashes me a sweet smile, and I roll my eyes.
“Man,onecoffee with Lewis, and you’re sounding just like him!” I look at her for a moment. “Feeling better about it now?”
“There’s something else.”
“Of course there is!” I sigh.
She pauses. “I don’t know how to say this…”
“So, maybe don’t?” I start rinsing out my cup.
“You like the guy. So, I’m wondering whether—”
