Page 352 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 5
“And you were the one literally chasingme,” she added. “I thought you were trying to tell me to keep quiet because of the whole cheating thing.”
“What the hell,” Rob said, panting. “Freeze.” He put out his hand like that would have stopped her from running off.
“We have you surrounded,” Tanner said.
“Who are you people?” She put her hands in the air like she was worried she was part of an actual sting operation. She looked more scared of the homeless men threatening her than she had of me. She backed up until she was practically in my arms.
“It’s fine,” I said. “They’re my friends.”
She looked even more confused than before. And I didn’t blame her. She was probably wondering why I was friends with two homeless guys.
“I’m just here to pick up my son,” she said. “Can I please just go?”
“You’re not going anywhere with Matt,” Tanner said.
She shook her head. “I’m not this grown man’s mother. Look, I don’t know what the hell kind of weird stuff you’re into, but I want no part in it. If you weren’t my son’s favorite teacher, I’d freaking report you. Now, stop following me.”
I felt like telling her I wasn’t technically a teacher wasn’t the right move here. “So you’re not a hitwoman?”
She laughed. “No. But you and your friends are completely insane.” She started walking away.
Tanner looked like he was about to reach out and grab her, but I told him to stop. “She doesn’t work for Mr. Pruitt,” I said. I let her walk away. I didn’t bother telling her that I wasn’t married. Or that I wasn’t crazy.Fuck, am I crazy?
“Why the hell didn’t you tell us Operation Water Buffalo was a go?” Rob asked. “She could have killed you.”
That was the name they’d come up with?Why?I shook my head. “She’s not a hitwoman. What the hell am I supposed to do now?”
Rob cleared his throat. “I can think of one thing you can do.” He nodded toward Tanner.
Did he really think this was the time or place to announce our best friend status? “You guys, if she’s not the one Mr. Pruitt hired, then who the hell is?” The little hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I turned around, but no one was there.
“It’s going to be fine,” Tanner said. “We’ll figure it out. I’m here for you.”
“Not as much as I’m here for you,” Rob said. “Tell him, Matt.”
“Tell me what?” Tanner asked.
I sighed and turned around. It was better just to get this over with. “Tanner, Rob’s my best friend.”
Tanner laughed. “Sorry, I think you just suffered an aneurysm. What did you say?”
“Rob’s my best friend.”
“Knew it,” Rob said and shoved Tanner’s shoulder.
“Did Robert force you to say that?” Tanner asked.
“No?”
“Ha!” said Tanner. “I knew it. What is wrong with you, Robert? Matt’s in distress. This isn’t the time for your shenanigans.”
“Matt, you have to say it like you mean it,” Rob said.
“But he doesn’t mean it,” Tanner said.
Rob reached out and ripped Tanner’s fake mustache off.
Tanner screamed at the top of his lungs.
