Page 155 of His Big Bad Stick

“Getting coffee,” he says. “Was driving around the area looking at buildings. Wanted a coffee and saw this place.”

“I own this place and it’s not for sale,” Jess says. “I know your type. Greedy asshole, right?”

“Just looking for coffee,” Simon says. “And maybe some info about the place next door.”

“That’s my place,” I say. “My new gallery.”

“Again, not for sale,” Jess says. “I’ll gladly get you some coffee, but that’s about it.”

Simon looks at my stomach. “You’re pregnant? Seriously?”

“Doesn’t concern you at all,” I say.

“You sure?” Simon asks.

“You know what?” Jess cuts in. “I just remembered, we ran out of coffee ten seconds ago. Too bad. Better take your business elsewhere.”

“Can’t even get a muffin?” Simon asks.

“I’m asking you to leave,” Jess says.

“You’re actually telling me to leave…”

“Simon, just go,” I say. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“I’m sorry? Did you not have some muscle guy show up and threaten me?”

“You got paid,” I say.

“Did you pay him back?”

“That’s not your business, Simon. Go.”

“So this is who you’ve become, Abrielle? You had such potential. I remember meeting you. Your eyes were full of life and fire. Your paintings were amazing too. That’s why I invested in you.”

“You used me, you prick,” I say. “You stole everything from me.”

“I protected you. That’s all.”

“Dude, get the fuck out of here,” Jess says. “Seriously.”

“You know, Abrielle, there was always a whore-like side to you I enjoyed,” Simon says. “Guess it caught up to you, huh?”

He starts to smile.

Behind Simon, the door to the coffeeshop opens and in walks… Colver.

I’m pretty sure right then and there Jess and I have the same thought.

Oh, fuck, this is going to be bad.

36

Colver

So I leave practice to meet up with Abrielle at her gallery and she’s not there.

The next logical place is next door at Jess’s coffeeshop.

---