Page 198 of The Sidekick

“That’s great!” I gasp and bounce in my chair. Why does he sound so mad if everything is working out?

“I can work from home, but I can’t leave the team.”

“What?” My happiness turns into disbelief quickly.

“I’m going to be their field leader. They still get access to me.”

“No,” I start frowning.

“Yeah,” he spits back. I don’t take it personally. He’s enraged, and I know why. “Matthias says it’s this or nothing.”

What a jerk. Mr. Matthias is still mad at him? It’s been months!

“Why does no one listen to you?” I ask him in dismay. “You’re one of the most honest people I’ve ever met.”

“I don’t care anymore,” he snaps defensively. I know he cares. This is Shade’s armor I’m talking to right now. He’s on high alert, and he’s not going to settle down anytime soon. At least he isn’t in the silent brooding stage.

I fall quiet as plans pop up. I settle on two of them and give myself a firm nod.

“I’m all over this, big bro. You sit back and call Dr. Robinson for a vent session.”

“No,” his tone turns dark with rage.

“Yes,” I immediately rebut. I can’t leave him any room to try and maneuver me. He could do that in his sleep. “It’s my turn to play petty games, and I’m taking the gloves off.”

He gets quiet. The only sound on the line is his heavy breathing as he tries to get himself under control.

“I have your back, Shade. I always will, no matter what. You chose to guard me, and I’m choosing to guard you.”

I don’t know if it’s my words or the grim tone I’m using, but Max’s eyes have gone wide with surprise.

“Fine,” Shade takes a deep breath.

“I love you. Call Dr. Robinson.” I hang up before he can reply.

I sit and stew for a minute. I have to know exactly what to say when I make my next call.

“Uh, what’s going on?” Max leans forward as he prods me.

“His boss doesn’t like him, so he’s pretending to give Shade what he wants without really doing it. He’s stuck with the four jerks,” I explain dismally.

“How do you expect to fix that, babygirl?” Trevor asks gently. “I don’t think pranks are going to cut it.”

“They won’t,” I agree. “But I’m doing them anyway. I need deniability.”

“What does that mean?” Trevor’s brows lower.

“It means I’m going to make a few phone calls to shake a few things loose, and then I’m going to prank the fudge out of them. They’ll have no idea the rest is my work because I’m too stupid and immature to accomplish it,” I sneer bitterly. “They’re so dumb they’ll never see it coming.”

I stand and straighten my skirt to get mentally prepared for my next step.

“What are you doing?” Max asks warily.

“I’m going to step outside and make some calls. I need to pace and stomp. It’ll make me feel better,” I mutter as I scroll through my phone.

A thought blares through my head like a warning, and I whip around to face Trevor. He’s scowling. I can see a muscle in his jaw popping.

“Nothing illegal. I swear. I’m basically going to beg people to help until they submit to make the whining stop. I promise. I’m just talking tough to hype myself up. I remember our deal, and I’m sticking to it.”

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