Page 50 of Save Me

Dakota scrolls. “Uh, prosecutor is Dave Telly.” He’s quiet for a minute. “Yeah.”

Ronan’s goochie-gooing Princess and sing-songs, “Oh, it’s time to come out of retirement. Isn’t that right, handsome boy? Isn’t that right?”

I glance between all of them, too much information going on at once. Apex? What’s Apex?

Ronan gently grabs Princess’ front paws, chanting, “We’re gonna kill some bitches.” He waves them back and forth like Princess is getting down to the chanting. “We’re gonna kill some bitches.”

“Kill is a joke,” Dakota drones. “He’s joking.”

Righteous vindication falls over me. Arthur deserves to die. He tried to kill Maddox; why should he live? For a second, I sit in the glorious high of the feeling. Justice. It’s what Maddox deserves.

But is it what he wants?

I shove the feeling in the back of my mind. What will it hurt? Maddox isn’t around Arthur anymore, like Tyler was with her dad. If anything, it’s removing a skid mark from the earth.

My stomach cramps.

Yeah. Justice.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

For the first time, I wake up without the throbbing ache in my jaw. It’s still sore, but it’s so much better than before. The reduction of pain, coupled with the birds singing, damn near brings a tear to my eyes. If the birds are singing, it means they’re safe. Birds are singing, and no dogs are barking. So maybe I’m safe too.

I glance at the phone on the nightstand across from me, and my stomach flips.

Or maybe not. I turned it on yesterday, but I haven’t had the guts to look at any of Micah’s messages. What do I even say? Sorry I couldn’t play the game yesterday. I was too busy cowering at the dentist, but I’m back!

Oh yeah, that’s great. Killing it over here.

I groan, rubbing my eyes.

I can’t just…do nothing, though. This game is tiring, and I’ve had way too much time to think about the potential that Micah is actually being nice.

I feel nauseous at the thought that I could be stringing along an actual nice person.

And then, my gut cramps for a different reason. Oh god. What if he’s bored with me and he’s found someone else?

My stomach clenches. Oh my god. Arthur did this when I played the game too well.

Unexplainable, seething jealousy courses through me, and suddenly, my skin is on fire. Vaguely, I realize this is stupid because I have no claim on Micah, but the other part of me, the game-playing part of me, is on fire.

I won’t let him beat me at this game. I need to do something. A gesture. Something that says: thanks for letting me stay with you without being too weird or giving him too much.

I wrack my brain. I can’t really buy him anything. That screams relationship, and I’m pretty sure he’s already bought anything he might need anyway. I could clean the house.

Again, relationship. It stays pretty clean anyway. Then, another idea hits me. I could make him food. As soon as I think it, it feels right. Cooking. Everyone gives meals platonically without giving up vulnerability.

My stomach gurgles.

So I find myself getting ready and heading to the store. I had a bit of money saved up for Arthur, but I can make that back quickly. I need to get Micah on the losing side of the scoreboard so I can continue making money here, and then I can pay off Arthur fully and ditch Micah.

My stomach cramps.

I pick up some things and head back. I have a few hours before my shift with Mr. Parker today, so I should have time. When I get back, I let the steak rest on the counter while I hand-cut fries and heat up the oil. Getting back into the kitchen feels natural, like it’s where I belong, despite not knowing where Micah keeps his utensils. That part makes a twinge of discomfort fill me. What if he’s mad at me for using his stuff?

I put that thought out of my mind, cooking as quietly as I can. If he’s mad, he’ll just tip his hand.

I haven’t heard Micah come down yet, but he seems to be a night owl, so I’m sure he’s exhausted.