Page 138

“That’s how I look, huh?”

“I didn’t mean anything bad by it. It’s just… You would stand out.”

“Because I’d look disinterested?”

“Because you’d be more interesting than the game.”

“I would?”

I nod confidently.

Until Khaos tilts his head, studying me so intently, then I’m the one clearing my throat.

“And, um, you’re not poor anymore. You can afford anything you want. All you have to do is ask.”

“Is it really mine if I don’t have to work for it?”

“Yes,” I say like it’s obvious because to me it is. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have anything.

With a shake of his head, he says, “That’s not how I operate.”

“You asked my mom for a new phone and got one.”

The only thing that moves on Khaos is the tic in his jaw.

“I’m not trying to be rude or anything, but, like, be serious.”

“Serious?”

“Yeah. You’re not poor. You don’t have to struggle anymore. It’s all good.”

“It’s all good?”

Why does he keep repeating everything I say like he doesn’t believe me?

I turn it around on him, asking, “Isn’t it?”

It takes way too long for Khaos to give any indication he even heard me, but eventually, he does give a single slow nod, confirming he did.

“All good.” Both words are drawn out, making him sound more unconvinced than ever.

No longer looking at me, he pulls his phone from his pocket. With the strained silence, I know it didn’t ring. I’m almost positive it didn’t vibrate either, so I’m feeling a bit suspicious myself when he announces, “I gotta go to work.”

I guess it could be time for his shift. But he hasn’t said anything all night about needing to work tonight.

“I can drive you.”

“Nah. I’m good.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

Now Khaos does eye me, but it’s nothing like before and I kinda hate it. What did I do wrong? Was it something I said? All I did was point out the truth.

“I got a friend waiting at the bottom of the driveway.”

A friend? The same one as before?

“Do I know them?”