Page 219 of The Sidekick

“I think all Shade has ever wanted was to be the main focus in someone’s life. He’s never had it before. It’s like an obsession with him and he can’t stop even when the red flags are all over the place. He needs help.”

I glance at the carpet and swallow hard. “He helped me even when I hated it. I’m his sidekick. I won’t let this be another breaking point for him.”

“Then let’s go get ready,” Asher says and picks up my purse.

His easy acceptance washes away the tension in my shoulders and makes tears come up in my eyes.

“Thank you,” I tell him gratefully.

“You’re not going into this with a sunshine outlook?” Max asks with a solemn frown.

I get to my feet and shake my head sadly. “Not this time. The things they’ve done are way too much. I-I feel bad but I’m hoping this is a breakup speech. I feel so guilty.”

“It might be best for him,” Trevor looks away with a sigh. “It’ll be rough but if you stick to being his support he’ll come out of it ok, babygirl.”

I rush to him, wrapping him in a hug as best I can with his arms crossed between us.

“All right.” Max nods firmly. “I’ll have his back too.”

“Good,” Asher nods, taking us all in. “Now that we’re agreed we can go.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Trevor asks in a low tone of danger that widens my eyes. Thankfully he isn’t talking to me.

“She needs this,” Asher tucks my laptop under his arm. “I doubt she got anything done today. We can start fresh in the morning and wait for the go ahead.”

“Motherfucker,” Trevor says through gritted teeth.

I look up at him with a small, hopeful smile. “After this you can keep it at your house?”

His eyes snap to mine in surprise.

“Sold!” Max crows. “It can stay tucked under our mattress, Trev. Right where she needs it. She can only drag it out if she uses one of those yoga poses.”

Trevor’s lips twitch up in a smile.

“Fine.”

My smile widens as my eyes soften. “Thank you.”

His lips twist in a dark grin. “You’re welcome, babygirl.”

“Call him sir again,” Max presses with a mischievous grin. “He’ll love it.”

Trevor raises a brow at me and says flatly, “One.”

This time it doesn’t bother me at all, which surprises me. It must show on my face because Trevor’s expression darkens more, his eyes falling to my lips.

Asher clears his throat and Trevor’s expression drops when he looks up.

“What?”

“She needs real sleep tonight.”

Asher’s tone isn’t confrontational but Trevor’s eyes narrow as if he waved a red cape in front of a bull.

“Riiiight,” Max draws out with disbelief.

Asher’s eyes flick to him next. “You think her health isn’t at the top of my things to take care of?”

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