Page 12 of Fighting

Like the start of a Christmas movie or a bad prank, TBH.

Mateo:

I’m taking time off between jobs and don’t want to stay with Mom.

It would be a huge favor to me.

Stef:

Lee and I can live in your penthouse? For free? As a favor to you?

Mateo:

Y U P

Stef:

Okay, twist my arm. We’re in.

five

Mateo

Present | Labor Day Weekend

Ivy:

I am NOT pretending to be your girlfriend.

Mateo:

Who said anything about pretending?

Ivy:

OK. I am not your girlfriend.

Mateo:

Can we please talk?

As Nessa runs off,I shake my head.

What the hell, man? Did I really saypubes? In public? The mandoessend texts to potential business associates using phrases likepussy is fire, so maybe it’s fitting.

What was probably more ridiculous was the way I invaded his personal space, jaw and muscles tense like I was about tobrawl, and blurted out a claim to a woman who has no interest in me.

Caleb sneers, “Trouble with that one is common. Don’t waste your time.”

“Well, you are the expert.” Though I’m referring to all the time I wasted on the asshole, I keep my tone light.

It’s obvious by his cocky smirk that he doesn’t catch on.

Jim weaves through the crowd, ignoring elderly constituents vying for his attention, focus fixed on us.

At the same time, another man steps into the group, looking as formidable as always. The six-foot-four brick house of a man crosses his arms over his chest, causing every muscle to show under his fitted Peacock Springs Fire Department shirt.

Head dropped back, I bark out a laugh. I have been in town for less than a day, and already, I can claim responsibility for a fight between Jim and Liam. Classic.

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