Page 26 of When the Smoke Clears

Damn . . .

How is it possible that in less than six hours, I’ve gone from wanting to kill her, to realizing I was her victim of emotional abuse and manipulation, to being on the verge of apologizing for breaking her heart, to the recipient of a real apology from her, back to friends, and now I want to fuck her senseless? Perhaps I should hire a therapist.

“If you need to get off, I suggest you look into a good vibrator. Messing around with roommates is breaking the house rules. And I have better options,” I say.

“It’s your rule.”

I twist my lips for a few seconds before nodding. “Yeah. It’s a good one.”

“Fine.” She offers a one-shoulder shrug. “I’d rather drop my panties for a stranger in a bar restroom, anyway.”

“Attagirl,” I say because we’re friends, and friends cheer each other on.

What the fuck?

Did I really just agree to be friends with Everleigh Reichart?

“Let’s tell my mom the good news. Her body is on Eastern time, so she’ll go to bed soon, and we can game for a while.” Before I can reply, she marches toward the house like our evening plans are final.

“I’m sorry,” Fitz says as soon as I answer the phone the following morning on my way to the fire station.

“For what?”

“Everleigh. We didn’t know, man. I feel like such an asshole.”

“Oh, yeah. Actually, it’s—”

“Don’t tell Jamie I used this word. She hates it. But Everleigh is a cunt. That’s all there is to it. After everything Maren told me, I can’t imagine what you must have felt. Scared to open your door for three years? Will, that’s messed-up shit. And seriously, what if one of her parents had turned you in to the authorities? Can you imagine?”

“You know, I was in a bad place yesterday, stressed about my dad. And then the kitchen was a mess. I may have overreacted. After all, it’s been eleven years since that happened, and I didn’t get a knock on the door. Had I just stuck around to talk to her, I would have found out that there was no way she or her parents were going to turn me in. I’m just ready to put the past behind me and stop thinking about it. Let bygones be bygones. You know?” I rub my temple while waiting at the stoplight. Then I flip my visor down because the rising sun is in the worst spot.

“Listen, buddy, don’t do this. You know I buried shit from my past, and it didn’t stay buried. You have to deal with it if you really want to move forward. I’m going to make sure Maren gets Everleigh moved out today or I’ll do it myself. Okay?”

What’s happening? What have I done?

“Fitz, I told Maren I’d handle it. Everleigh’s mom is in town. As much as I have harbored ill feelings toward Everleigh all these years, it’s not fair to take it out on her mom. And I don’t want things to be weird between Everleigh and Jamie since they used to work together. Also, Lola really likes her because she offered to help her with some VR stuff when she was struggling after her mom died. So, as tempting as it is to just blow everything up—and believe me, I’m so grateful to have friends like you who would do that for me—I think it’s best to let things ride for now. When her mom goes home, then we can sort out Everleigh’s living situation. Besides, I spend most of my time at the station and doing other things. But thanks, man. Really. I appreciate you.”

He clicks his tongue. “Well, you’re a better man than I am. But okay. I’ll tell Jamie that you’re willing to slow things down to avoid World War III. She’ll be grateful. But if you change your mind, I’ve got your back.”

“I know you do. Thanks.”

“Later,” he says.

I end the call just as I pull into my parking spot along the street by the station. Then, my phone chimes with a text.

Everleigh: Bruh! I’m exhausted. The only thing getting me through today is the satisfaction of knowing I sniped u in less than 30 seconds. CU tonight!!!

I shake my head, but not without grinning at her “bruh” and not-so-humble bragging about beating me in Fortnite. We played until after two in the morning.

Will: You’ll only see me tonight if u start the house on fire. Please don’t. I work a 48 hr shift. While ur not starting the house on fire make sure u clean up after yourself

She sends a saluting emoji.

Again, I grin while hopping out of my Bronco.

“Welcome back,” Anderson says, sipping coffee while his squad sets up to run drills in the parking lot. “How’s your dad?”

“Old. It’s not pretty.”