Page 126 of The Other Side

“Hmm,” I hum, tilting my chin toward the nighttime sky. “It’s funny, I didn’t hear an apology between any of those words.”

When I scoot my attention down, I catch the way Callie’s fingers are resting on the bridge of her nose. She’s masking her chuckle, totally enjoying this just as much as me.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry,” I amend, motioning my hand to give them the floor.

Callie’s lips purse to fight more laughter, her knuckles tucking under her chin.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry.”

“Okay, it could be a little more convincing, but it’ll do,” I say, padding up to the teenage boy. “Now, let’s see your phone.” I crook my fingers. “Come on. Show me your camera feed.”

The boy rolls his eyes, plucking his iPhone from his jeans. “I swear, I didn’t take anything.”

“Did you?” I ask Keira, whose eyes are dipped at my unbuttoned shirt. Her head shakes as she skims her eyes back up, and I use my fingers to keep my flannel closed.

The bright light of the phone screen ignites before the boy enters his photos. “Don’t mind the selfies of my friend, Derrick.”

“I don’t give a shit about Derrick,” I mutter.

I scan my eyes along the last few rows of pictures and videos, ensuring that none of them include Callie and I.

“See. Nothing,” he sighs.

“Alright,” I say, straightening up. “Looks like we’re done here.”

“Oh, thank you,” Keira breathes, her palm tapping the boy’s arm. “Come on, let’s go.”

The boy’s peering up at me as he shoves his phone in his denim pocket. Keira strolls away, but a pout dips the corners of his mouth. Bitterness gleams in his brown hues. “Not for nothing, sir, but I might’ve kissed her tonight if it weren’t for your chiseled chest stealing all her attention,” he grumbles. “Thanks a lot.”

A smirk graces the crook of my mouth just as Callie slips beside me.

Callie shoots behind me, clutching the cotton of my t-shirt again. My arms search in back of me to cage her in, and I retreat us backward. Dull creaks resonate from the bed of the pickup, and I know we’re really in for it now.

“Look at that,” I mumble, lungs flattening with fear. “I’m gonna be the one to shit my pants.”

The man jumps from the pickup, stomping his way to us in only a pair of Wranglers. At least from what I can tell. “You little punk ass perverts,” he roars. “What the hell are ya doin’?!”

Callie’s chin rests on my shoulder. “Woah,” she breathes. “Wow.”

I’m assuming she’s referring to his chiseled torso.

Great timing, Callie.

“S-sir,” she starts, her voice wobbly. “We thought you were in trouble. We heard screaming.”

He swipes a hand over his dark hair before stabbing a finger in my direction. “I’m gonna kick your ass, boy.”

“New plan, Callie. Ready for it?” I mutter.

She nods frantically against my shoulder.

“Run.”