Page 28 of When You Stayed
Me: I need Royce Quinn’s cell phone number.
I was currently pacing my living room. I couldn’t just drive to her house because Killian was already pissed about how I treated her last week. He was also under the delusion that I liked her or wanted to date her. Which, now I could prove to him wasn’t true because I had gone on a date.
Well, fuck, I bailed on a date but still.
Rook: You haven’t talked to her about the video yet?
Me: I did, days ago. She apparently stole my cat as a way of responding.
To draw her out, my initial impulse was to torch the Hollow, but even I knew that was a little too unhinged.
Rook: I’m laughing my ass off. Wish you could see it.
Me: Very fucking funny. Now, her number, please.
Rook: Jesus, Ford. Get a grip, it’s just Gus, it’s not like Royce did him any harm. Here you go- 804-557-9090
Me: Thanks, I owe you one.
Rook: Oh, I know, and I fully plan on collecting.
I saved her number in my phone and ignored Rook’s text about cashing in on me owing him, before punching out a message.
Me: Where is my cat?
I could force her to meet me at the club, or I could tell her to comehere to my house. I glanced around and heard Johnson’s voice in my head about how ugly my house was. No, that wouldn’t work.
Pain in My Fucking Ass: Who is this?
Me: Very funny. Where is he?
Pain in My Fucking Ass: No idea
What if she had gone into town and wanted to buy Gus treats at the pet store? For all I knew, she planned on keeping my cat. Maybe I should go there and check.
Me: Do you think I’m playing? Because if so, then perhaps I need to encourage our club to visit the Hollow tonight, full force. Rodney wouldn’t mind, would he?
The dots on the screen jumped around a few times before she finally replied.
Pain in My Fucking Ass: Fine. I’ll drive him back to your parents’ house and hand him off to Ellie.
Me: Considering she proved last night that she can’t be trusted, I don’t think so.
More dots appeared and disappeared, but I smiled knowing I had her. I could let her drive to my parents and call it good, but I wasn’t about to let her out of this without having to face me first.
Pain in My Fucking Ass: Dad and Mom are headed over to Uncle Jameson and Aunt Penny’s. Should lessen the chance of your death if you want to come over and pick up your son.
Such a fucking brat, and yet I had a smile on my face I couldn’t seem to shake.
Me: I’ll be there in twenty minutes.
Pain in My Fucking Ass: Wait…
Me: What?
Pain in My Fucking Ass: Will you please bring me a vanilla latte from the Drip?
Me: After you literally stole my cat? No, Royce, I’m not bringing you a latte.
