Page 41 of Don't Let Go

Bryce shook his head, and he grabbed his empty glass. “We need to do something,” he said bitterly before going to the soda machine as well.

Christian pushed away his plate. “I’m going to order a plate of hot wings. I feel like it’s going to be a long night.”

I stared at my glass, watching the dew drip onto the table.

The TVs were on in the corners of the pizzeria. They all played sports like basketball, golf, and race cars. I didn’t pay them much attention, not until one switched to the news and the face of Senator Winston came on.

He was all over the place when he first died: social media, TV, and a few digital billboards around the state. Chloe told me there was a memorial for him on one of the screens at the movie theater. It would’ve been strange to lose a parent and constantly be reminded of that loss everywhere you went. I didn’t know how Tyler did it.

Paolo entrapped a strand of my hair around his fingers and coiled it tightly, pulling me closer to him. He smiled as he nodded toward the TV I was looking at. “Wouldn’t it be a shame ifallthe Winstons died?”

I pushed him away. The strand of hair fell from his grasp, curling around the side of my face. “What did you say?” I whispered in horror. He had to be kidding. A sick joke he thought was hilarious.

“You know, you cover up murders for fuck’s sake.” He rolled his shoulders back and snaked his arm over the top of the booth above my shoulders, attempting to catch me in his web yet again.

Angry tears pricked my eyes. I scooted away from him, sitting on the edge of the bench. “What did you mean? What are you planning to do to Tyler?”

He shrugged, eyeing the TV again. It was now on a car insurance commercial.

“Let’s say the world would be a better place with another Winston gone. I didn’t like him at the game. He has his eye on you.” Paolo grabbed my wrist, twisting it slightly. “And you’re mine.”

I bent my elbow a little and jerked my arm away. “I’m not your property. There’s nothing wrong with Tyler going to a game. He’s cool. Leave him alone.”

Paolo lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t like him crashing at your place. He could get ideas.”

I stood, putting my hands on my hips. “I’ve heard enough. I need to meet up with Chloe anyway. I’m already late.” That was a lie, but she would vouch for me in a heartbeat.

Paolo draped his arms over the booth and gave me the coldest stare that sent a chill down my spine. “Fine. Go.” He waved me off as if I was an annoying fly. “Just remember, both his parents are gone. Wouldn’t it be nice if he had a family reunion?” He made a slicing motion across his throat like he did at the mob meeting.

Could Paolo possibly be behind one or both deaths of Tyler’s parents? What did he know that I didn’t?

I gulped and turned toward the door so Paolo wouldn’t see the fear devouring me. My soul felt like it was shaking deep within my body.

With my phone in hand, I texted Chloe, telling her to pick me up immediately from the corner store a few blocks away. She replied, saying she was on her way.

I had this gnawing feeling in my gut something terrible was about to happen. I needed to figure out my shit before the house of cards that was my life came crashing down.

21

Tyler

Once the bell rang and everyone was seated, the TV switched on so we could watch the student council give us a report of school events as if they were a real newscast.

My ears perked up at the tail end of the announcements for sports. It turned out the guy who fell minutes before the game ended had rolled his ankle and couldn’t play the rest of the season. I coughed to cover my laugh. Paolo was a few desks away and looked like he was about to stroke out with his red face and trembling hands.

So much for South Ridge making it on the map with the championships.

Like I gave a shit.

After class ended, I noticed how all the students turned somber. They dragged their feet and stopped talking excitedly. They became robots.

Did they truly have all their chips placed on their boys’ basketball team? I mean, I knew pretty much all their sports teams sucked since South Ridge was never on my radar, but this was farfetched. Everyone acted as if someone died.

Rory stood at her locker. I stopped by and stole a quick look around. No Paolo around to give me crap for talking to “his girl”.

I leaned against the locker in front of hers. “Hey. Why is everyone so doom and gloom?”

She laughed, closing her locker after grabbing a book. “Didn’t you hear the newscast? Our basketball team is screwed. No sports team from this school haseverbeen that close to the championships. I guess there was a promise of grant money if we got into the finals.”

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