Page 122 of The Sidekick

I don’t argue and hurry out the door while she laughs hysterically.

Once I’ve pulled out of the parking lot, my phone chimes again.

Shade: 6 tonight le chique

This guy can’t text to save his life.

Babygirl,

Shade is taking these. I watched him do it with the last letter. The fucker leaves for work, but I don’t see you come out. Yeah, I’m that fucking guy. I wonder where the other letters went? I would start mailing them again, but I’m sure he’d find a way to return them to me. I really want to take his fucking head off.

Chapter Forty-Four

Tera

I keep an eye on Shade as we get ready for family dinner. I’ve had an invite for the monthly occurrence ever since I came back into town. Thankfully, my wallet is up to the struggle. I begged him for us to watch a rom-com instead, but he’s being stubborn. I don’t know why he won’t just stay home.

He’s subdued, but it’s hardly noticeable with his overall don’t care attitude. I’m starting to get really mad about this whole thing, and I’m wondering how I can help him out. I don’t want him to transfer. He’s the big brother no one ever asked for. He deserves to find happiness somewhere, though, and if he can’t find it here, then leaving is his best option. The thought is more depressing than I want to admit.

It's all those jerk’s fault. I’ll show them as soon as I figure out what I’m doing. I asked about breaking their legs, and Shade said no physical damage. He laughed at me for asking. I’m still calling South. I need to finally catch up with her and she can be on standby if Shade changes his mind.

I started a homework list on my phone scrambled into code just in case Shade gets access to it. My plans for vengeance in his honor seem kind of weak without the threat of South. I need to be more devious, and she might be able to help me with ideas. She thinks outside the box a lot.

I need to get my computer back from Satan. I’m thinking of going tonight after dinner since I’m angry enough to actually have the guts for it.

“Can we ride together?” Shade pipes up, and I wince. “You can drive.”

There goes that plan. He can’t know what I’m trying to plan out, so he has deniability.

Since when does he ask? He hates my driving. Where has my arch nemesis gone? I want him back, darn it! This must be how villains feel when heroes try to retire in the comics.

“Of course,” I scoff and walk around until he has to look at me. “If I slap you, will you snap out of it? I don’t want to hurt you, but I’ll take one for the team.”

He gives me his signature flat look.

“That’s better,” I impulsively give him a tight hug. He doesn’t return the gesture, so I back off and lead the way to my car.

“You have your purse? I don’t want to turn around in two minutes to come back.”

The irritated tone is much better. “It’s on my arm, jerk.”

“Your phone?” His voice becomes taunting.

I pat the purse confidently.

He nags me the entire way to the restaurant, and I love every second of the normality of it as I snark back.

I pull into the parking lot and double park just to make him mad. He hates that, like any other sane person on the planet. Then, I spend ten minutes pretending to line the car up perfectly between the lines to really get him going. It works like a charm. I’m all smiles and evil giggling as he rants about my driving the entire walk into the restaurant.

I stop cold when I see Asher in the waiting area.

What are the odds? Is he here with a date?

My stomach tries to revolt as I look around for the mystery woman in a panic. He seems to be standing alone in slacks and an untucked collared shirt. It’s weird seeing him out of his normal sweatpants and tank top. He looks amazing. He’s missing his glasses, so maybe we can slip by without him seeing us.

A painful fissure starts in my chest. It’s just as bad as when Satan threw my heart on the ground. How is that possible? Please, just let me get by without him spotting me.

Shade and I are not on the same page because he walks up to him, does the guy head nod thing, and says, “This way.”

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