Page 28 of Time to Bounce
“Sure thing, Pres.” I nodded at him.
Madman glared daggers through me as I left.
Once in the parking lot, I got on my bike, started it up, and aimed it in the direction of Athena’s place.
I’ve been thinking about it, and I think it’s in my financial best interest to pass away.
—Athena to Maven
ATHENA
I freaked out the entire way home.
Even worse, I was still slightly excited, too.
If he was at my house right now, I’d throw myself at him.
My phone rang when I was about to pass the gas station, and I pulled into it and stopped at the front.
“Hey,” I said to Shasha.
“Hey,” his deep voice cracked like a whip across the line. “Why didn’t you listen and not go there by yourself?”
I sighed. “How did you know I went?”
“Because I got a phone call that told me, in no uncertain terms, to stay the fuck away from you, and stop funding your suicide missions,” he answered.
I felt my left eye twitch.
“I wasn’t in danger,” I lied.
“It doesn’t matter.” He went on, “You won’t be doing that again unless I’m there to go with you. Or Dima.”
Grumbling under my breath, I got out, taking my phone and my wallet with me.
I left the keys, mostly because I doubted anyone would steal my car.
If they did, it would probably be a blessing.
I just couldn’t force myself to get rid of the POS car that Gavrel had bought for a steal when he was sixteen, then gave to me when he was done with it.
It probably needed replaced five years ago, but I was a sentimental little shit, and couldn’t do it.
“Are you listening to me?” Shasha snapped.
“I am listening to the best of my ability.” I paused. “Hey, should I get butterscotch or Dr. Pepper flavored ice cream?”
There was a long pause before Shasha said, “Butterscotch. Dr. Pepper flavored ice cream sounds disgusting.”
“Weirdo,” I said. “Hey, have you talked to Maven today?”
“Yes,” he answered. “She told me you were staying in.”
I laughed. “I’m not exactly going to tell my pregnant best friend that I’m going to a motorcycle club biker bar, now am I? She’d probably freak out and try to go.”
“True,” he hesitated. “Seriously, don’t go there again without backup.”
After agreeing, I got my Dr. Pepper ice cream and headed to the register.
