Page 45 of Spider

Sitting back, I wipe the tears that have fallen and smile. “You forget that you were just a kid, too. It’s all very well you saying that, but who protected you?” I sniff, knowing that from the day they met, Spider has looked out for him, taken care of him, fought anyone that tried to hurt Acid.

Nash gives me a small smile and nods. “Point well made, little sis.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

NOVA

I was gettingcabin fever staying inside all the time. I had baked the club enough sweet treats to survive an apocalypse, and Star had come to visit when she could with a few of the other ol’ ladies, but aside from that, I was on my own. I decided to message Star and see if she wanted to come over for a movie and takeout. I was fed up of being alone. Scrolling through the phone, I click on Star’s contact.

N: Hey, it’s me. I wondered if you wanted to come over and watch a movie? Maybe get some food in?

S: I’m surprised you messaged.

I frown, confused by her response. Maybe it’s because she was only around the other day, and I haven’t text her before now.

N: First time using the phone. If you’re busy, don’t worry. We can catch up another time.

S: No, it’s fine. Where?

N: At the apartment, unless you wanted to do it at yours?

S: The apartment is fine. What’s the address?

I frown, confused. She knows where the apartment is. Unless she is planning on getting a taxi over?

N: 120 Western Ave. I will order in the food.

S: No need. I will grab it on my way over. Be there in a bit.

I sigh, feeling relieved that I won’t be spending the entire evening on my own again. As I wait, I scroll through the movies, trying to narrow it down to a few options. I had gotten distracted and realised I had been sat there for over 30 minutes. Jumping up, I grab a few tubs of the cakes I’d made and place them down on the coffee table, along with a wine glass for Star. I check my reflection and see my blonde hair piled on top of my head, and my face is make-up free. I sigh. No point in putting fresh make-up on or getting changed if we are just going to sit and eat takeout. I look down at my top and notice I have a tomato ketchup stain on it. Sighing, I decide I’d better change it.

The buzzer goes and I quickly run, pressing the lock release for her to enter. The door opens, but I’m faced away from the door. “Give me a second. I realised I had ketchup down my top, so I’m just changing it,” I yell, running off to the bedroom. I chuck my dirty top in the wash basket and grab one of my tank tops. I walk back into the living room, pulling the tank top over my head as I go. “Oh, that smells nice. What did you get?” Iask, freezing when my eyes collide with Spider’s. “What are you doing here?” I ask.

He stands there, his jaw gritted tight. “Acid told me to come here for a takeout,” he answers.

I shake my head. “No, I text Star asking her if she wanted to come and watch a movie with a takeout,” I argue back.

He sighs. “Well, you didn’t. You text me,” he counters back.

“No. I text Star. She gave me this phone with her number pre-stored,” I snap back. Grabbing the phone, I show him so he can see for himself.

“That’s my number,” he states.

“But it can’t be.” I huff.

“Well, let’s look at the fucking facts, shall we? Star gave you that phone with a pre-stored number in it that is my number. She then got hold of my phone and saved that phone’s number as Acid’s. She set us up,” he yells.

My mouth drops open. “Oh, the crafty bitch,” I mutter.

Spider nods. “Right. Anyway, I had better go. The food’s on the counter, keep it.” He points to where it is and turns to leave.

“Wait,” I call out.

He stops and turns around to face me. “I can’t eat all that by myself, and I’m getting really bored on my own here. You could stay and eat some food and watch a movie with me. We could even watch that movie you and Nash watched. Missing Boys?” I ask.

Spider’s mouth twitches with a smile. “Lost boys,” he corrects.

“Right, that one,” I say, rolling my eyes at my own stupidity.

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