Page 137 of Demo
“Yeah, well, life isn’t a Cher song, Jenny. Actions have consequences.” Then I get in my car, and drive away.
Chapter 38
Six months ago …
JENNY
Ididn’tkeepmyend of the deal.
Well, it wasn’t a deal, necessarily, but an understanding. Knox and I had both cut most of the drugs we were into a few years back. We didn’t really talk about it directly, but at some point we both started … stopping.
Which was why I felt guilty, staring at Knox, staring back at me—pissed. I messed up. I could never understand why I do the things I do.
I ran into an oldfriendat the gas station, and we caught up for a bit. It was innocent, at first. We stood perched against the brick wall of the side of the building as we chatted about this and that.
“Have you seen so-and-so lately?”
“Did you hear what’s-his-name moved?”
It was familiar. And that’s all it took to bring me years back, so when he pulled out a joint in his car, I accepted. Then a little pot turned into some pills, and I knew before I even saw what he was offering that I was going to accept. Because I’m weak. Or just an idiot. I’m not sure. But I quickly realized I was in over my head in the company of a bunch of guys who wereold acquaintances, and I called Knox to come pick me up, instead of Jake, my boyfriend.
Knox got there just in time because Marcus was just starting to get handsy. He was used to the old Jenny, the one who would loan out her body for drugs, so I couldn’t even blame him for thinking things were still the same.
But he was getting pissed at me brushing off his advances. When we ran into each other earlier, I had forgotten what an ass he could be. He was all charm. His short, spiky dark hair still made him look boyish, and his lip ring gave him a punk-rocker vibe. He was cute. How much of a jerk could he be?
How easily I forgot.
With each shot he swallowed, joint he smoked and pill he popped, his eyes drooped and darkened, and his smile turned more evil.
“Come on, Jenny-girl,” he said as he leaned over me on the couch where we were sitting. I could feel his hot breath against my cheek as he nestled his head in the crook of my neck, sucking on the skin left exposed by my tank top. He had one arm draped around me, cupping my far shoulder, and the other hand was creeping up my thigh, over my jeans.
System Of A Down was blasting from the speakers in the dark and dingy basement. There were two guys doing lines off a pool table, and a guy and a girl going at it on another couch adjacent to us.
“Come on, Marcus. I’m not here for that,” I said as I tried to push him away, but he was just too freaking big.
“The Jenny I remember was always up for this,” he said, taking my hand and yanking it toward him, placing it on his crotch.
“I’m serious!” I began as I started to squirm, which only made his hold on me tighten.
I heard loud steps descending the stairs, and then, “There you are,” as Knox’s voice came booming over the music, which sounded like freaking machine guns. Relief washed over me. And guilt, for dragging Knox into this situation. Into my mess.
And that’s why we were staring at each other.
Marcus turned to look at the source of the voice as Knox neared, giving me a little breathing room as he did. “I don’t believe it!” Marcus boomed as he released me and stood up. “Knox? Is that really you? Fuck man, what’s it been? A few years, at least?”
“Definitely more than that, I’d say,” Knox responded in a friendly tone, taking Marcus’ outstretched hand and accepting a bro hug. He locked eyes with me over Marcus’ shoulder and the look he gave me told me he was more than pissed at me.
When the two of them stepped away from one another, Knox nodded his head in my direction. “You ready to get out of here? I’m kind of in a hurry.”
“Yes,” I shot up, standing next to Marcus.
He looked between Knox and I. “Oh, shit, man! I’m sorry. I didn’t know you two were …” he waved a hand between Knox and me.
“Uh, well …” Knox rubbed one hand on the back of his neck, and I hoped he was thinking what I was thinking.Let the guy think whatever the hell he wants and let’s get out of here.“It’s complicated,” he finally said, as he reached his other arm toward me and took my hand. “Anyway, it’s nice to see you, man. Take care.” He turned to leave, giving me a tug behind him.
I was apologizing as he tugged me up the stairs, tripping as I went. The drugs were really kicking in. “I’m sorry, Knox. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Shut it,” he gritted out through his teeth, without even turning to look at me. “I lied to Lizzie, you know that? I told her some of us were headed out for a drink after work.”
