Page 55 of Love me, Maddie Mendoza

I opened the door, and Jason’s voice carried. “You better go, babies won’t be offered to the devil on their own.”

If that was the way he fought, it made sense that Cathy was biting back a laugh.

“I finished my rituals early. I’m not one to leave loose ends, Barlowe. You should know that.”

Jason stepped closer, his chest puffed and nostrils flared. Cathy rolled her eyes but met him on the challenge. He was a head taller than her, but her personality made up for it.

“You’re not dating Zeek.” Jason put down the law.

“But daddy, all the other girls in my class are allowed to date.” Cathy pouted.

I bit my cheek not to laugh. Jason wasn’t as amused. “Don’t call me daddy.”

Cathy didn’t reply, she just smirked.

A vein on Jay’s neck popped. “What’s your plan here, Catalina?”

That made her chuckle. “To date the hot basketball player?”

“Are you trying to sneak here?” Jason pushed. “Infiltrate or something?”

“Yes, Harriet the spy. What I want is to infiltrate your home. Why would I do that?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out!”

“Just leave it alone Barlowe…”

“You’re not dating my best friend.” Another order. “You can’t. It won’t work. Are you going to be coming and going here? All the time? And sleeping over? And waking up and if you forget your pajamas…?”

I looked up at the sky with a sigh. Jesus, yes, he was clearly into her and a step away from madness, coming up with strange scenarios where my supposed girlfriend forgot her pajamas.

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “If she forgot her clothes, she wouldn’t be leaving my room, Jay.”

Yes, I was going to end it with Cathy, but I could be an asshole about it. Right?

“Hey, Zeek.” Cathy smiled.

I stepped down the steps as she smiled at me and Jason scowled. I ignored him and came over to her to land a kiss on her cheek. That one was to speed up the process of him realizing he liked Cathy. It would be in the best interest of all of us if he stopped being annoying.

“Can I talk to Cathy alone?” I asked.

“No. You’re not going on a date.”

“I’m not?”

“He seems to think he has power over us.” Cathy explained.

“She’s the devil,” Jason whispered for no one’s benefit.

“I’m sure I will survive.” I hoped he felt the finality of my words.

One, two seconds ticked by and Jason’s jaw ticked too. Finally,fucking finally, he stepped back and, with a last look at Cathy, he left us alone.

Rubbing my hand over my face, I turned to the girl. “Do I want to know why he hates you so much?”

She laughed, like she’d been holding it in for ages. “It’s better if you don’t.”

I shook my head and turned to the beauty of a car she brought over to my house.

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