Page 18 of IOU

Grabbing the knife from the rolled napkin, I cut into my steak. Perfect. “Thanks for ordering for me.” I know it was Sebastian.

“You would starve if we didn’t.”

I doubt that.

“And I don’t want to hear any excuses that you can’t go to Gigi’s after we leave this snooze fest.”

Ah. How could I forget?

I take a bite of my steak, and Rowan’s phone dings again.

“Do you have a problem I should be concerned about?” I nod at his screen, knowing he’s playing online poker just by the sound of the ding. I know it because once upon a time, I played it.

“If I did”—he pauses, flashing me a smirk—“I wouldn’t ask for your help.” But he would get it anyway. “I’m a big boy.”

“We know,” chimes in Sebastian, never looking up from his phone. “And if you don’t lay off all those fries, you’re going to be an even bigger boy.”

Rowan tosses a fry, and I try not to grin. I’m mid-bite of the only thing I wanted tonight when I hear Sebastian groan and throw his fork down. “Can we not eat without being interrupted?”

I chew the greatest steak ever and swallow. “This isn’t a date. Relax,” I aim at Sebastian before wiping my hands and meeting the eyes of the person who is crazy enough to interrupt us.

“I’m so sorry to bother you, Mr. Lexington.”

Mr. Lexington.That one never gets old. It sounds like he’s speaking to my father.

I eye this frat boy’s shorts and Hawaiian shirt. “You have fifteen seconds to make your case.”

I don’t have time for this. My steak is getting cold, and I didn’t finish my spreadsheet. Neither of which makes me happy nor puts me in a very receptive mood.

“I need a favor,” he rushes out.

I hear Sebastian mumble into a mouthful of mashed potatoes. “Shocker.”

“What’s your name?”

I don’t really care, but he’s nervous, and I don’t have all day for him to spit it out.

“Todd.”

I nod. “Great. So, Todd, this is how this works.”

He nods eagerly.

“You have exactly five seconds left before I pick up my fork and resume eating, after which my friend Rowan here will escort you away from our table.”

His hands drop to his side.

“My suggestion is to speed the fuck up.”

If you’re desperate enough to interrupt my dinner, you’re desperate enough to ask me for a favor in one breath.

“I’m short on rent money!”

Rowan rolls his eyes. This particular favor is common amongst college students. The first time away from home and they blow student loan money, Mom and Dad’s money, etc. Sometimes for girls. Sometimes for drugs but never for actual bills.

“How much?” My fingers itch to grab the fork. Ever since that first bite, I’m starving.

“Fifteen hundred.”

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