Page 39 of Broken Instrument

He gives me a nod and asks, “Want me to call your friend and give her a heads up you’re coming?”

“I’ll take care of it. Thanks, though.”

“Don’t mention it. Make sure to grab her fake ID. We don’t let minors in here. And good show tonight,” Chuck adds. “You’ve still got it.”

I don’t comment as Mia wrenches herself away from my grasp and marches out of the bar like a sullen teenager…which is exactly what she is.

14

FENDER

With another slow breath, I dig for my keys in my pocket and unlock the door. Mia yanks the passenger door open, slamming it closed behind her. My beater groans in protest, but I bite back my annoyance and climb behind the steering wheel after letting Pixie into the back.

Mia doesn’t acknowledge the poor beast, probably trying to prove a point.

She’s pissed.

At me.

“I was fine, you know,” she huffs as I pull onto the main street.

I stay quiet.

“It’s not like I can’t handle myself.”

My lips pull into a thin line.

“And he was a harmless guy. Cute too. Helped me out with something. Besides, it’s not like I’m saving myself or anything.”

I bite my tongue, my fury boiling just beneath the surface.

“You had no right to intervene,” she adds.

Probably not, I think to myself, but I don’t say a word.

With another huff, she turns in her seat and faces me, giving me a glare that would make most men cower in fear. “You’re not my dad.”

Duh.

“Say something,” she seethes.

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know. If you’re going to act like my dad, I expect a lecture.”

“Is your dad a lecturer?”

“You tell me since you apparently knew him so well.”

“Why’d you go out tonight, Mia?” I ask on a sigh. “Were you actually wanting to go home with the guy?” I bite my tongue to keep from mentioning the drugs I know are still clasped tightly in her closed palm. Not yet.

“Maybe,” she replies.

“Why? Your aunt says you’re smart––”

She scoffs. “My aunt doesn’t know shit about me.”

Partially true, but the malice still surprises me.

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