Page 6 of Jake's Angel

“Those two are going to be trouble while we’re gone. I can feel it,” Hawk says.

I chuckle, clapping him on the shoulder. “Yep.”

CHAPTER TWO

Avery

I waketo a kink in my neck and the slight chill in the air coming through the open window of the truck carrying a hint of fried food with it.

“Have a nice nap?” Sadie asks, yawning.

Everyone has thatonefriend. They’re the ride or die. The crazy one who will do anything once, just for the sake of saying they did it. No matter if what they’re doing is legal, embarrassing, or borderline insane. They’re still down to do it. Sadie Jenkins is myone friend.

Most of the time, I’m sure we’re going to die, but that’s just because Sadie isn’t your typical wild child. She’s too smart for her own good. But she’s also the only one I trust.

When Sadie moved to Baron’s Edge, she was miserable and full of venom. She walked onto campus the first day dripping with attitude, and more than one person got to experience her wrath.

She is a handful, to say the least, and fearless to boot, which means most of our adventures go one of two ways; either lifechanging, or panty changing, depending on the situation. Both outcomes leave her laughing at my expense. She’s been known to hide things from me before, to keep me from backing out of plans. This adventure was no different. When she said she was down to help me escape I expected her to race us out of town in her Challenger, but instead she showed up in this old beat-up pickup truck with a horribly uncomfortable bench seat, she borrowed from a friend.

“Not really. The woman even haunts my dreams,” I answer, stretching my arms and rolling my neck. I must’ve fallen asleep shortly after we left the estate because the scenery is no longer familiar to me.

“You never have to go back there. You’re free, babe.”

“Where are we?” I ask, sitting up taller and stretching my back after the long night’s drive.

“Only the best diner in town,” Sadie says. “This is Magpie’s. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

“If you say so,” I reply, climbing out of the old pickup truck she borrowed to come get me.

Three months ago, I turned eighteen. A week ago, I graduated from high school. And two nights ago, with Sadie’s help, I left everything I’ve ever known and got the hell out of Baron’s Edge.

She parks next to a white Dodge Ram and cuts the engine. We roll out of the old truck, my back popping as my feet hit the ground. Sadie comes to my side at the back of the bed, laughing as she flicks my ponytail.

We walk through the front doors and I’m assaulted by the smell of grease and sugar, and I swear I’ve died and gone to heaven.

I love this little diner. It’s got a vintage ‘Happy Days’ feel to it. There’s framed black-and-white pictures on the wall of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. The booths are white vinyl withvertical teal stripes down the center. The tabletops and bar are stainless steel with tiny jukeboxes and condiments on top. The bar stools are the same teal as the stripes on the booths, and the floor is black-and-white checkerboard. It’s awesome.

We walk toward the podium and an older woman whose name tag says “Patsy” comes around the front and hugs Sadie. She looks at us both, grabbing Sadie’s face with both hands, she says, “Oh, aren’t you a pretty sight for sore eyes? Haven’t seen you in a long time. How long are you here for, baby?”

Sadie’s smile is so wide, her eyes sparkle. She leans into the woman’s hug and tells her she’s home to stay. Those words earn her another tight squeeze before the woman turns her eyes to me. “Who’s your friend Sadie Jay?”

“Um, this is my friend, um …” Sadie’s eyes go wide, looking for me to throw a name out there.

We didn’t give any thought to my name.Shit!

“I’m sorry. Where’s your restroom?” I blurt, not knowing what else to say. I glance at Sadie, whose brow is furrowed.

The woman looks me up and down, twisting her mouth like she’s about to call me on my bullshit, but for whatever reason, she has pity on us and nods instead.

“It’s right back there.” She gestures toward a small hallway on the far side of the restaurant.

“Thank you. I’ll … uh … be right back.” I say as I prepare to take my leave.

“Why don’t you two take the booth back there and I’ll send Misty to take your order?” She kisses Sadie on the forehead. “It’s sure good to see you, baby. I bet the boys are going to be so happy to have you home.”

Walking into the restroom, I head to the sink, turn on the water, and splash cold water on my face then fix my ponytail. I’m staring at myself in the mirror, berating myself for not thinking about this ahead of time.Shit. Of course, people will want toknow my name. It’s customary when greeting someone to tell them who you are.Socialite etiquette 101—Know who you are and make sure everyone else knows too.

Suddenly, my mind is filled with images of my face plastered on media websites, newspapers, and TV news stations. I groan to myself.

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