Page 132 of Betrayed

I put my arm around Blake and walked her back in side. “You okay?”

“Not really. I just want this mess to be over with.”

I couldn’t make it be over any faster, but I could help her move her stuff. “What else do you want to take?”

“I’m taking the things my father listed as mine in his will. It’s not much, just a few pieces of art that had belonged to my mom. They don’t have a lot of resale value, but they mean a lot to me.”

Sadness hung like a cloud over her head as Blake led me through the house, trailing her fingers along furniture as she pointed out the items she wanted to take today. Occasionally she'd stop, her eyes glossing over as items brought back memories.

"I've lived here my whole life…"

Having few good memories of my childhood, and bolting from my home as soon as I could, I couldn't empathize. But I could sympathize.

Chapter 60

Blake

We padded and packed all the sentimental art, and anything of value from my room. Dean offered to let us pack his truck too, so I took everything except the furniture.

She’s welcome to it.

After unloading everything into AJ’s office. We offered to feed Dean. When he declined, so he could have dinner with his family, we decided to go out for pizza. Before we got to AJ’s favorite pizza place, he got a call from Jack.

“You’re on speaker,” he said instead of answering like a normal person.

“Hey Blake,” Jack said. “How’re you holding up?”

Seriously?Is ‘your on speaker’ code for Blake is in the car?

“Hi Jack, I’m okay, thanks.”

“How would you two feel about coming over and hanging out at Jamie’s?”

When AJ looked at me, I interpreted his look to mean he was okay with it if I was. A night out sounded like a good way to take my mind off the stress of the day, so I agreed. “Can we bring anything?”

“We’re ordering pizza, and have plenty of beer and wine, so I think we’re good.” I could hear some noise in the background. “The girls said you can bring a veggie tray so they can lie to themselves about eating healthy,” he said around a laugh.

I laughed with him. “I think we can do that.”

“What’s your ETA?”

AJ looked at the clock. “Give us an hour; we want to change first.” Then he added, “Make it one and half, since we have to stop at the store.”

“Emily wants me to warn you, Flirty will be here.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” AJ answered.

“Good to know.”

“Later.” AJ disconnected the call.

I didn’t want to be that girl, but I couldn’t help it. “Who’s Flirty?” And why was Jack hiding her identity?

“Flirty is Ashley’s call sign.” He didn’t sound guilty or ashamed. Maybe he didn’t have a reason to.

“Why did Jack think he needed to warn you Ashley would be there?”

“I’m not sure. You already know Ashley and I were friends with benefits, so there’s nothing to hide.” He reached over and grabbed my hand. “You met her at SSI, remember?”

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