Page 130 of The Monster I Am
“Who?”
“Dad’s old business partner.”
Seconds tick pass while the information starts to sink in. Ry is the first to recover, darting over to his phone.
“We need to warn Bexley,” he hisses quickly. “Wait—she texted me.What the fuck?”
“What?!” Hunter snaps, reaching the end of his tether.
Ry’s eyes blow wide, gaping at the phone before he slowly lifts his head, looking at H before sending a frown in my direction.
“Astor,” he reads in a dark, low tone. “I’ve thought about it and I can’t keep doing this. I’m leaving town for a bit. It’s for our own good. Don’t come searching for me—Bexley.”
Chapter forty-one
Bexley
The rest of the week goes by without any major hassles. Well, except for Tai freaking out yesterday before the Algebra exam. He turned up early, green in the face, and I had to drag him into a supply cupboard and give his dick CPR before he was calm enough to sit the exam.
It worked, though. I’ve never seen someone bounce into a mathematics room so energetic and lively.
I just have to get through today. One more day of work. One more set of exams. Then that’s it. All over, red rover.
To celebrate, we’re all heading to the warehouse tonight to fight and drink—in that order. We’re responsible graduands, after all.
Surprisingly, Elliott has been avoiding me all week at work. Except for the occasional work-related comment, and standardhelloandgoodbye, he barely acknowledges my existence.
Jessa has been the same, unfortunately. And I suspect Hazel was told something too because she’s been a little less warm the past few days. But I consider it a win.
I can handle the judgmental glares and cold shoulders if it means I don’t have to quit and start all over again.
Glancing over at the clock, I’m happy to see it’s time to finish. Heading into the staff area, I quickly slip my uniform off and change into my Cedar Heights jersey.
We have the Graphic Design exam this morning, and I’m excited to see all three guys since we share the class. We had a late night study sesh at Archie’s yesterday, and I’m feeling oddly confident. Definitely better than I felt about Gym.
“See ya,” I say, waving at Jessa. She lifts her head to find me, returning a curt nod before finding interest in the cash register.
I don’t let it sour my mood, shrugging it off as I slip out the door and start walking down the alleyway toward the staff parking spots.
Pulling out my phone, I start typing a text to Ry. The coffee buzz has got me thinking about the Lawless Dragons concert, and I need to tell him my brilliant theory.
I’m nearly at my truck when my feet slow, a rush of sudden unease hitting me. I scan the empty parking lot, mentally cursing myself for my stupidity. Clearly, the lack of sleep is starting to get to me. I’ve been seeing shadows all week, getting jumpy over the smallest things.
All I know is tomorrow I am going to have the best damn sleep of my life and I cannot wait.
Something moves out of the corner of my eye, and I almost dismiss it, but check anyway, grinding to a halt when, this time, there is someone actually there.
“Elliott,” I mutter, eyeing the tall, slender man. “I didn’t realize you were finishing early today as well.”
He grins, cigarette between his fingers. Taking a drag, he nods. “I have plans today,” he says, exhaling smoke. “Exciting ones.”
“Great,” I answer monotonously. “Well, have a nice weekend.”
Elliott tosses the butt on the ground, crunching it under his shoe. He steps into my direct pathway, blocking me from my truck. “What are your plans?”
I still, desperately wishing I could ignore the alarm bells that start going off in my head. This asshole has given me the silent treatment all week, and now all of a sudden, he’s acting normal again?
Something doesn’t sit right with me, so I slip my phone back in my pocket to keep my hands free if necessary.
