Page 15 of IOU

I sigh, taking a step back. This is ridiculous. “It’s okay. I’ll try another friend.” I mean someone I have a class with, but it sounds better saying friend.

Lauren smiles hesitantly. “I hope you find something.”

The scoff claws at my throat. “Me too. Thanks. Have a great night.”

The door closes, and the sound of the lock clicking into place is the epic conclusion to this shitty day. I grab the strap of my bag and adjust it up on my shoulder. I can’t worry about where I’m sleeping tonight. The more significant concern is how I’m going to endure this first shift with Tucker, the fuckface, and Taylor, the backstabber.

I have a feeling Bostic and his crew need to be on standby.

This catastrophe is just the beginning.

Rumor has it he’s worth millions.

“Where were you this morning? I came by, but you weren’t home.”

“I didn’t realize you were my mother.” My voice is sharper than it should be, but I’m in a shitty mood after this morning’s meeting. There’s a reason I don’t make a habit of owing people favors. I like to be the one in control. I know what I’m getting into when I accept an offer for a favor. I don’t enjoy being on the other side.

“I’m not, bitch. I was just coming by to see if you wanted Vance to take care of that thing for you.” His voice lowers as he realizes we’re in public and have some secrets we don’t want to share with the world.

“Not right now.” My jaw locks up as I try really fucking hard not to hit something.

“Okaaaayyy. You want to tell me what’s up your ass? Why are you being extra Maverick today?” He says theextra Maverickpart like it’s a thing—a girly thing at that.

I sigh and pull open the door to the steakhouse just outside of campus, Studs and Spuds. “Can I just have dinner without a fucking interrogation?” I know I’m projecting my anger on Sebastian. Honestly, it makes me feel better.

“Damn. Let’s get your ass some food then.”

The smell of charcoal and grease hits my stomach as soon as we walk in. But as much as I’m craving food, I desperately want a drink. I won’t order one, though.

“Is this where what’s-her-name works?” I just stare as Sebastian scans around the restaurant. It’s not the first time we’ve been here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he left what’s-her-name with a bad taste in her mouth and the check on the table when he was last here.

“You’re going to need to be more specific,” I mutter, already eyeing Rowan crammed into a booth. “You screw so many people I can’t keep them all straight.”

He scoffs. “I don’t sleep aroundthatmuch.”

I cock a brow. “I didn’t say sleep. I said screw.” Where I exchange unsavory favors, Sebastian fucks people over for likes. We’re a vicious pair. “Come on. Rowan’s waiting.”

Sebastian casts me a wary glance and cringes. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go over to Gigi’s and make a little money? Gigi will cook you a steak.”

Tempting, but no. The money would be a good distraction, but I actually need to get some things done, and if I go to Gigi’s, I will gamble the night away.

“I need the Wi-Fi here, and the steak is better than Gigi’s.”

Sebastian shrugs. “But I can get high at Gigi’s, and you can win some money.” He arches his brows, pleading. “Besides, you know someone will write your paper for you.”

True, but it’s not a paper and not the point. “What the fuck did you do here, anyway?” Soon, we won’t be welcome anywhere, and I rather like it here.

Sebastian swipes a hand through his hair. “I can’t remember, dude. It’s a problem.”

A big problem, apparently. “You better get your shit together before you get kicked out of college.” His wealthy parents would have him hidden and shipped off to whatever school they could get him into. More than likely one overseas. He’s the disappointment of the family—exactly why we’re friends. Like me, he has little faith in the kindness of the human population. “Havemeyer doesn’t give a fuck how internet-famous you are.”

“Just two?” The hostess approaches, and immediately, I know Sebastian has forgotten his rep at this place. His eyes turn greedy, and he drops his shoulder like he has some kind of swag.

“No,” I tell her all shitty, casting Sebastian a stern look and brushing past her without a backward glance. Rowan already has a drink when I slide in next to him.

He tips his chin.

I tip mine and then lean down and pull my laptop out of my bag.

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