“How about something mixed with a soda? Let’s ease in.”
“Sounds good. I got just the thing.”
I smile and feel better than I have in a while. Tucker had to go talk to Jethro—the redheaded president—so I watch the TV in front of me.
“Phoebe?”
My eyes widen as I turn around. “Yes?”
“You don’t remember me?”
The man standing in front of me looks vaguely like my ex-boyfriend. He’s covered with weird red scabs on his face and arms, and he looks ghastly. Thin and gaunt. “Jake?”
“I knew you couldn’t forget me. What are you doing here?”
“I’m here with… my date,” I say.
Tucker and I haven’t really discussed what it is we are to each other, but he has referenced me as his girl before. But I’m not sure if that makes him my boyfriend or not.
“You’reon a date?”
It’s a bit of a gut punch to have that kind of a reaction from someone I once dated. Like it’s that shocking. “Yes.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s talking with someone about business right now,” I say. “What are you doing in Gravelton? You were up in Reno the last time we saw each other.”
He smiles, and I’m shocked at how many teeth he’s missing. “I’m here for work.”
“Do you work at a chemical plant?” I ask.
“Hazards of the job,” he says and leans against the bar. “Have you heard of Venom Dust?”
My eyes widen. “Yes.”
“I help make it in the snake pits,” he says, leaning in and whispering it in my ear.
“Are you using it, too?” I ask, my voice low.
“No! That’s not allowed!”
Leaning back, I try to read his expression. The smile on his face reminds me a bit of the Joker, and I want to be anywhere but here right now.
“You know, I’m willing to give you a second chance. Wanna head into the bathroom with me? It’s been a while since a bitch has sucked my cock.”
My brows lift. “What happened to you?”
This is not the guy I dated. Jake wasn’t necessarily sweet and warm, but he wasn’t this… crass. And he definitely wasn’t into drugs when we dated.
“I grew up. Looks like you didn’t.”
“I think you should walk away,” I say, trying to find Tucker. “Take care of yourself, Jake.”
He grabs my wrist and yanks me out of my seat. “Or maybe I’ll take you into the bathroom and have you take care of me whether you like it or not.”
A squeal comes from him as he releases me and stands on his tiptoes. Tucker’s large hand has Jake by the back of his neck, squeezing until Jake’s face turns red.
“What the fuck did you just say to my girlfriend?”
