Page 10 of Lights Out

“It is,” Bane says. “What are you gonna be doing in Chicago?”

“Got a job in the city with a chemical engineering firm. I applied for a junior position but after they interviewed me, they gave me a senior role.”

Bane’s eyes go wide. “Dude. Seriously?”

I nod, trying to play it off like it’s not a big deal even though it fucking is. “Yeah. I guess they like the way I approach problems. I’m a strange blend of creative thinking with an engineering mindset.”

“Congratulations, Rid,” Jerryn says. “That’s really awesome.”

“Thanks. I’m kind of shocked honestly. I’m just a kid from a regular family. I got into Willow Bay on a scholarship. Now I’m moving to Chicago and making ninety grand a year.”

Jerryn’s mouth drops. “Whoa.”

“I know.” I laugh softly. “They aren’t even making me change my hair. Hopefully I won’t fuck it up.”

“You won’t, man,” Bane says. “You deserve this.”

Do I? “Thanks.” I lean back on the chair legs, balancing precariously as I glance at the ginger. He’s bent over now, eyeing the pocket he plans to sink his balls into. Speaking of sinking balls into something…

“Go,” Jerryn says. “It’s your last night here. Live it up.”

Grinning now, I pop out of my chair and salute the boys as I saunter to the dance floor to join Lowen, Indy, and Kit. I dance around them for a second before scooting to the edge and accidentally on purpose bumping into my target.

“Oh, sorry, man.”

He grins, but up close there’s something off about him. Call it instinct but I just got a shiver down my spine and not the good kind.

“Hey, sexy,” he slurs. “You looking for some fun tonight?”

He reeks of stale beer and cigarettes. Not feeling it. “I’m having fun with my friends. Thanks for the drinks though.”

His brow creases as he leans on his pool stick. “Come on, pretty boy. You have time for a quick trip to the bathroom.”

Ugh. “That’s not my style.” I pat his chest. “Sorry.”

I turn back to my friends, moving closer to them and bopping to the beat.

“What’s up with him?” Bane asks.

I shrug, lifting my arms and swaying. “Creeper. Besides I can always get dicked down but my time with you guys is limited.”

Lowen wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close. “He’s still staring at you.”

“Great.”

“Want me to handle it?” Indy asks, already puffing his chest. Speaking of mad Daddy energy…

“Nah. I’m good. If he gets out of hand, I’ll put him in his place.”

Three songs play and the four of us dance off the alcohol just enough. Pancakes sound good. Or burritos. I wonder if that taco truck is around tonight.

“We should eat soon.”

Kit groans. “Damn. You just made my stomach growl. Yeah, we should.”

“It’s almost one, boys,” Lowen says. “Another hour of Jimmy’s.”

The pit in my stomach reappears. “I got another hour in me. You guys?”

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