Page 218 of The Sidekick

“When is the meeting?”

“At seven, why?”

I nod with a concentrated frown. “Where? Someplace public?”

“They aren’t going to attack me, Tera. It’s that old bowling place that closed down.”

“Okay,” I mutter. “You have to call me as soon as it’s over. If they’re good I’ll eat crow and glare at them when their backs are turned. If not, it’s on, Shade and I’m not going to stop.”

Asher starts scowling. “Do you need backup son?”

Shade pauses and starts to chuckle weakly. “You still haven’t told him?”

I pull the phone away from my face to glare in mutiny before clapping it back to my ear. “Are you crazy? Of course not.”

“Scared?” He taunts but I can hear the slightest darkness enter his tone. I’m not afraid of it. South has made me immune. Sure he has emotion invested in it but it’s still the same.

“Nope. And I never will be,” I say in a haughty voice. “Get over it. And I can say that to you!”

There’s a long silence and my bravado decides to pack up and desert me.

“I can say that to you. Right?” I cringe. I may not be afraid of what he’s capable of but he’s really become a big brother to me and no matter how stern I sound I don’t want to lose him.

“Of course you can,” he says and clears his throat. “I like you fighting back little sis. It’s what we’ve been working on.”

“Right,” I sigh in relief.

“Wish me luck already,” he grumbles.

“Do you have what you want to say written down?” I say instead. I’d love to wish him luck with anyone but these two jerks. All four of them actually. I’d rather watch Shade turn into an old crone with twenty cats.

“No,” he snaps in frustration.

“Well, get on it, then,” I snap back. “You always have a plan. Don’t wing this, dang it.”

“Fine, Jesus,” he hangs up. I bet he wishes it was an old school phone so I’d have the slam in my ear.

As soon as I’m sure the connection is done I start texting South with angry jabs of my thumbs.

Her reply is instant and soothing, giving me a chance to breathe properly.

“Let us in, angel,” Asher says firmly.

I glance up at him in surprise to find all three of them standing with various angry poses, ready to fight whatever is bothering me. It’s surprising to take in.

“Um, they want to meet with him tomorrow and he’s supposed to call and let me know if revenge is a go.”

“And the text?” Trevor raises a brow and his arms cross over his chest.

“Southie is going to be his secret backup. He doesn’t want anyone there but I’m not going to leave him alone with them. This is going to go bad and Southie is good at cleaning up.”

Max and Asher exchange a wary glance that tightens my stomach. They aren’t wrong to be a little scared of South or Shade. But they’re both really important to me.

“She’ll keep him safe,” I insist, meeting Trevor’s scowl helplessly. “She’s the only person I know who can look pure evil in the eye and not be impressed. Please, guys? He doesn’t know it but he needs her.”

“I know you love the guy but why is a breakup an all hands on deck thing for him?” Max asks, bewildered.

I chew my lip and glance around nervously. I’m about to spill a hunch to them and if Shade finds out he’s going to throttle me.

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