Page 74 of The Sidekick

“Tera.”

His shocked voice breaks me out of my thoughts. I quickly dig out an unknown amount of money from the purse that I almost forgot to grab in my embarrassment and toss it on the table.

“I don’t need an escort. I’m never coming back,” I tell the young waitress grimly and march out.

Shade finds me sitting on the couch sobbing when he comes home. He doesn’t say anything as he sits beside me and wraps an arm over my shoulders. We sit in silence until I’m calmer.

“I got you a new phone today,” he hands me a box. “It’s charged up and on your old plan, so you’ve got the same number as before.”

“Did you hack my account?” I hiccup as I open the box, staring at the newest phone model as tears well up again.

“Yeah. Just staying fresh.” He tries to deny that he’s a nice guy, but I can see the blush starting up on his neck. It’s the one tell that he can’t control.

“You suck,” I start crying again and press my face into his chest.

“Not lately, but I’m hoping to change that.”

My tears turn into a wet laugh as I slap his arm.

“I’ve never asked about this, but I think it’s time,” He hesitates, and I tense up. “Any time someone brings up… the forbidden subject… you tend to lose your shit. Why?”

I look up at him in confusion. He stopped trying to force food on me during our road trip home, probably to save his face from all the projectiles thrown at him. But how does he know that’s what I’m upset about?

He sighs, pulls out my old phone, already open to a text message thread, and hands it to me.

Max: Did you take a picture of his face after you hit him with nachos?

Max: If you did, I want it.

Max: You said you’re never coming back here? What did I miss?

Max: WHOEVER HAS TERA’S PHONE GIVE IT TO HER RIGHT NOW!

Me:What happened

Max: Fuck you man. I want to talk to Tera. She’s upset.

Me:On it

Max: God damn it.

Max: Let me know.

“It’s so stupid,” I weakly drop the phone onto my lap.

“Not if it affects you this much, it isn’t. I thought it was just me at first, but it’s everyone. Tell me, and let’s work it out.”

“I don’t want to,” I say stubbornly.

“Tough shit. I won’t stop asking now, even if you can hit me in the face from across the room.”

His arm tightens around me, less comforting and more holding me in a place where I can’t reach things to throw at him. Joke’s on him. The phone is in my hand.

I struggle between fighting to keep my silence and giving in to his obvious concern. I know he means it when he says he won’t stop asking now. That’s the deciding factor, and the fight washes out of me in a rush.

“Don’t… don’t tell anyone. Please. If people knew how dumb I am…”

“One? I’m your bestie and a vault for your secrets. Two? Stop saying shit like you’re dumb. You’re one of the smartest and kindest people I’ve ever met, and it pisses me off.”

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