Page 37 of The Sidekick

I look around in a daze. I feel like I’m looking for my heart. He stomped all over it in here, so it has to be on the floor. When I spot my keys lying on the desk, it snaps me out of it. I pick them up in a rush and grab my purse where I dropped it. The darn non-can of mace tries to roll out, but I catch it before it can make a noise hitting the floor. I’m all about stealth right now.

I need to get out of here. Returning to the bar was a big mistake in a lifetime filled with them. When will I learn to just walk away while I can still stand? I’m suddenly tired of being a sidekick, and I never thought that would happen.

I don’t have to stick around for any of this. I never had to stick around. The only thing left here are memories I’m beginning to think I made up to make myself feel good and pain. A lot of pain.

Given my talent for getting in and out of places without being seen, this will be cake. There’s also the fact that the back entrance is right beside Trevor’s office, and the hinges never squeak. I may have tested it a few times just in case I’m late.

I calmly pull out of the parking lot, forcing myself not to rush and make a scene. Nothing would catch more attention than that. Then I autopilot to my apartment and stand around as if I’m lost. I guess I am at this point. All of my tethers to this town have been cut off one by one.

Would my oldest friend let me move in with her? She lives several states away, so I would have to drive to her. Or has she been lying to me, too, and she’s relieved we’re no longer roommates?

My phone rings, and I have a minor panic attack as I fumble it out of my purse.

♥ Trevor ♥ shows in the calling view, and my heart gives a painful throb that spreads acid across my chest. I’m so lame! I should never have gotten my hopes up after I realized he was a main character, darn it.

If I answer, will he tell me to come back? Would I follow his demand without question? I have the sinking sensation that says I would, whether it broke me into even tinier pieces or not. I can’t answer for my own sake, and it feels wrong.

What if he’s sorry?

What if he just regrets Max’s toy running away?

I can’t stand this!

I let it ring to voicemail and put my phone on silent. I can’t stay here if I want to avoid people. I’ve had one person bang on my door and another threaten to break it down. I’m not waiting around for that. I have zero interest in seeing anyone right now, maybe never again.

I pack a duffel bag with clothes and randomly toss in a few snacks. Then I write a hasty note to Mrs. Danvers explaining that I will be gone for a while and she needs to suck it up and ask 3E for help with her laundry. That kid is sweet, and she shouldn’t judge him. I end it with my name and a big heart that makes me cringe. It's too late to change it now.

I slide the note under her door as I pass and hurry back to my car. It takes about twenty minutes to get to my apartment from the bar, so I should be in the clear, but I trust my gut, and it says move now.

I’m an hour into my aimless drive when I realize I left my precious baby on Trevor’s desk. The next hour is an internal war of going back to rescue her and a fear of dealing with anyone. Fear wins.

Chapter Thirteen

Max

Tera doesn’t join us for lunch, and I’m trying not to smile. She has to be pissed that she didn’t get an orgasm.I can’t wait to go back in there and gloat about how good it felt to finally have her hands on me. It will piss both of them off at the same time if I’m lucky. I wonder what Tera’s punishments will be?

I’m getting ahead of myself, but I’m too damn excited for patience anymore. It’s happening. No more waiting. It’s a weight off my shoulders I didn’t know was there.

Trevor is silent as he scowls at his sandwich. He stabs at his potato salad without eating much. He needs to have more after his pain medication, or he’ll get nauseous.

I nudge him under the table with my foot and stare at his plate. His hands stop moving, and then he takes the hint and starts eating until it’s all gone.

I’ve already finished, and I’m fidgeting. I can’t wait to get back to her. When Trev takes his last bite, I jump out of my seat like a spring is under my ass.

“Is Tera still asleep?” Andi glances between us. Her face is filled with concern. That expression is worse today than yesterday.

I feel a little bad about it but not by much. She did this to herself. I’m not going to show her mercy.

“No, she was supposed to join us,” Trevor scowls at the door.

“I’ll grab her something,” I give him a pointed look and gesture to the door.

Trevor takes his time getting up and leaving. His walk looks normal to everyone else.

Only I notice the slight winces, the slow movements that are way too careful to be leisurely. He’s done this act for so long that it’s second nature to him now. I wish he would just tell them he’s hurting and fuck today. He has too much pride for that, though. Stubborn dickhead.

I get a turkey sandwich, her favorite, and a lot of potato salad, then head out.

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