Page 9 of The Masks We Burn

“Hello?”

“Mr. Cassidy, this is John. We spoke recently about your interest in Orlov’s Association.”

I perk up at this, my pulse hammering through my veins. “Yes, sir.”

“While we normally don’t take such unorthodox applications, and unidentified referrals, you show potential.”

Anticipation thrums through my muscles, unwinding the anxiety that had almost taken over when he mentioned how I was referred. Since the whole thing seemed hella secret, I wasn’t sure if saying where I got his contact information would get Blaze’s guy in trouble. Instead, I said I couldn’t remember the man’s name and gave a generic description. Guess it was enough.

“You have some impressive credentials, Mr. Cassidy, and believe me, I did the best I could to get you in, but I can’t bypass our association’s rules.”

Dread drops into my stomach, making me nauseous.

You got to be fucking joking.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, we are an exclusive club, and because of this, we are invites only, never referrals.”

I hear his words, but I’ve stopped listening, staring at my new home’s front door. I scrutinize the fact that while it’s thick, strong, and in good condition, a strong kick in the right place will tear it from its hinges, making it completely useless. It’s easy to forget these things...

Sighing, I shake my head and try my best to listen to him. It’s a lie if I say I wasn’t excited about the opportunity, but still, I know not getting in isn’t the end of the world. My move out here is still beneficial. I’m closer to my campus, minutes away from Spencer, which will help with all the wedding plans, and am close to a new city. A new city means plenty of fun, late nights out, and a slew of women I’ve never seen.

The thoughts do little to wash away the slight defeat making my shoulders heavy, but it takes the edge off as I catch something the man says.

“There is a gym that we get a few people from. You didn’t learn this from me, Mr. Cassidy, but I’d suggest starting some training over there. It’s Manny’s Gym. Perhaps you’ll get scouted by the right people.”

I nod even though he can’t see me. It may be a long shot and might not even work out in the time I planned on being here. “Thanks. And thank you for the plug. I’ll check it out.”

As I start to tap the red button to disconnect, another call comes through. The picture of Spencer illuminates the screen. His dark hair is all over the place, and his face is bright red. Black marker circles his eyes and another line curls under his nose in the best handlebar mustache I could muster at sixteen. It reminds me of a time when everything was better. For one, his mom was alive and well. Then of course there was the fact he still lived in Idaho.

But it was also when I was the best fucking quarterback the state had seen in decades.

Fuck, today is not one of my best. “Hey, bro.”

“I just got out of class. Did you already get all moved in?”

I run a hand over my head, pulling on the tight curls at the top. “Yeah. Just have a few boxes to unpack.”

“Damn, I’m sorry. My professor made me wait till after his lecture to go over my lab study. Are we still meeting the girls for cake tasting?”

“I’ma slap the shit out of you for asking. Why else would I have moved all this fucking way? I got you. Drop me the location because you know I don’t have a good sense of direction.”

Spencer chuckles, forcing me to, and it loosens my tight chest. So much has happened in the past five years for the both of us, and I know it’ll be moments like these that keep me from drowning in my thoughts. Every day, they pull a little harder, threatening to drag me under completely.

But then again, maybe it’s the countdown to graduation that’s made me realize I’m out of time.

“Yeah, don’t remind me. Had my ass lost in that fucking corn field for three hours until your dad found us.”

I scoff, throwing my hand out to the side. “In my defense, tell me that wasn’t one of the best nights of your life.”

It sure as hell had been for me. It’s where I met Rhonda McFargle. She had just broken up with her boyfriend and was looking for a one-night thing. She ended up being my first girl with a voyeurism kink, and that shit was hot. It gave me the same euphoric feeling as throwing a touchdown. My pulse was racing, my adrenaline was out of control, and the bliss that came after was addicting. And if I’m being real, she’s the reason I started my journey ofexploration. I wanted to see what else was out there, and which ones gave me that same high.

Spencer snaps me back to him. “Yeah, yeah. Alright. I’ll see you in a few.”

After hanging up, I pocket my phone just in time for the pizza guy walking up with four boxes.

* * *

I pullmy truck in front of Honey Bunch Bakery. It’s a small little shop downtown, in the middle of a modern shopping strip. Spencer is standing outside, talking to someone on the phone, readjusting his glasses.

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