Page 59 of Before We Were

Ollie gives me a long look but nods.

"All right, man. Hit us up when you're free."

It takesJay fifteen minutes to meet me in an empty parking lot. He steps out of his Camaro, cigarette smoke curling from his lips, anxiety radiating off him.

"Nate, where the fuck have you been?"

"I was with my brother." I shrug, avoiding eye contact. "What's up?"

"What's up is that Monty has been on my fucking ass about you." He leans in, lowering his voice. "They want their money."

"I told you, I'll get it," I say, keeping my voice hard while clenching my jaw.

"It's not just that." He runs a hand through his hair, glancing over his shoulder. "I think Monty knows who you are, who your family is. They're going to ask for more. Way more."

Fuck my life.

"I'll get their money," I grit out, nostrils flaring. "Then I'm done with this shit. For good."

Jay looks skeptical but nods, exhaling slowly. "Fine. I’ll try hold him off a couple of days. But for real,” he grabs my shoulder, "be careful. These guys don't fuck around. I’m being dead ass serious."

"I know," I mutter, shaking off his grip. "Can you give me a lift home?"

I haven't even sat in the car when Farrah calls.

This day keeps getting better and fucking better.

I pick up the phone like ripping off a bandage.

"What?" I snap, slamming the car door shut.

"Where have you been?" Farrah's voice cuts like glass. "You've been avoiding my calls all day." I can practically hear her pacing.

"What do you want, Farrah?" I pinch the bridge of my nose, catching Jay rolling his eyes in the driver's seat.

"Are you coming to the carnival tonight?" Her tone shifts to something almost hopeful.

"No." I stare out the window, watching the streets blur by.

A heavy pause. "Why not?" Her voice tightens.

"Because." I tap my fingers against my knee, agitated.

"You're unbelievable," she hisses. "Two weeks ago, you were all over me and now?”

I lean my head back against the seat, "I don't think this arrangement is working out anymore."

"Are you breaking up with me over the phone?" Her voice cracks slightly.

"Farrah, listen—" I start, rubbing my temples.

"No. Fuck you, Nate."

The line goes dead.

"That girl is batshit crazy. I don’t know why the fuck you’re putting up with her still.” Jay says, shooting me a sideways glance as he turns the corner.

The honest answer is, I have no fucking clue either. I just toss my phone onto the dashboard and sink deeper into the seat.

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