Page 20 of Ozzie

“I need air.” I jump up and go outside. I take several deep breaths.

Why would Durango do this? Doesn’t our friendship mean anything to him? Because of one thing I’ve done, expressing interest in Piper even though I haven’t done anything about it. He’s willing to pull the plug on our friendship?

It’s just like my parents. Because I didn’t go to college so I could work in their company, they were done with me.

I lean against the building and slide down to the cement.

Why can’t anyone stick around? Am I that miserable and unlovable that one mistake is all it takes?

“Ozzie!” Lightning yells. He finds me and tries to pull me up.

“Why do they all leave?”

Coff left too. He felt he had no choice, but it still hurt.

“Ozzie, stop it.”

I glance up to see Lightning’s concerned. It’s not an expression I’m used to seeing on him.

“You’re spiraling. Stop it. Get out of your head.”

I laugh. “Okay, I’ll do that.”

Now he yanks me up. “Let’s go.” He drags me away from the bar.

“Where?”

His grip is firm, and I’d have to fight him to get free.Causing a scene on the sidewalk isn’t something I really want to do right now. We reach his car.

“Get in.”

“Why?”

“Because we need to deal with this now before Durango does something stupid.”

I lean up against the car. “You mean like ask for a transfer? Too late, he’s already done it.”

Lightning crosses his arms. “You are going to let them both go? You don’t want to try to talk reason into him?”

“Reason with Durango? That’s like trying to blow down a wall with your breath. Can’t be done.”

He sighs. “Okay. They will move to Seattle. You’ll never see Piper again. And she’ll move on like Amber has. You heard CT; he’s miserable. But since there’s no point in talking to Durango, you’ll just have to suffer.”

He stares hard at me while his words sink in. He’s right. I have to do something. I can’t let them both walk out of my life without a fight.

“You’re right. I have to try.”

“Yes, you do. Now get in. We’re going to win your woman and your friend back.”

CHAPTER 7

Piper

Durango and I didn’t talk anymore yesterday, which, yes, was awkward. He read a book, and I scrolled through social media on my phone. I debated telling Ozzie what happened but decided to wait. I’m hoping my cousin changes his mind.

The next morning, I find Durango on the back deck talking on his phone. He’d left the door ajar, so I stand there, listening to his side of the conversation.

“I understand, but it would be for the best. My cousin’s ex is still coming after her. And I know the guys in Seattle.”

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