Page 78 of Crystal Iris
He runs his hand through his hair. A habit, I learn, it’s something he does when stressed.
“Fuck, probably not.”
“I can talk to Lara. She works with him.”
“I don’t know... do you think she can... do something about it?”
“If anyone can, it would be her.”
“Okay. My flight is at two.”
“I won’t be back before then.”
“Will you pick up when I call?”
“Yes, just please stay out of Aaron’s way, for now?”
“Fine. If I’m broke, I’m moving in with you,” he says with a smirk while making himself comfortable on the couch.
“Very funny.”
“See you later, firecracker.”
I close the door of my own place, leaving Hoyt inside.Things are far from getting easier.
Any news from Aaron?I text Lara on my way to work.
Ted took him out yesterday. He said he looked depressed.
I don’t have time to think about that now. I have ten minutes before class.
Thank you for checking on him. I’m sorry to put you in this position, but can you… make sure he doesn’t… do anything wrong with Hoyt’s money? For both of their sakes.
On it.
Thanks, Lara. I can stop by your place tonight to explain things.
Sure, no explanations needed. I’m here as a friend.
Six-thirty okay?
I’ll order sushi.
Hoyt texts me when he leaves my place. I can still feel his eyes on me this morning when my prism glowed, leaving my feelings exposed.
My lectures suffer from my lack of focus, and I leave at six in a haze, only to hit traffic all the way to Lara’s place.
“You didn’t have to... this is a lot of food,” I eye the beautiful spread in front of me and take a couple of rolls from the boat.
“Ted can eat sushi for days. How are you doing?”
“Okay, considering it’s all my fault.”
“Well, give it time... You guys were together for so long. It’s supposed to be hard.”
“Right.”
“What is she doing here?” Ted asks as he enters the room.
