Page 29 of Lost the Handle

“Because you’re dumb,” she throws at me, glaring. “This is supposed to be easy. We go through the motions, we do what needs to be done, yet you keep letting feelings get in the way.” She pushes off the car, crowding my space. “I respect you, Quinn. All I ask is the same in return. You don’t have to like my parents—hell, you don’t even have to like me—but please respect me. We’re almost there. Thirteen months and we’re done.”

Before, it didn’t seem that long, but now, as I stare down at her, it feels like an eternity.

My heart is pounding in my throat. “We don’t have to do it.”

Ava’s eyes narrow to slits. “Oh no, you don’t. You can’t back out now,” she sneers. “You wouldn’t have that residency if it weren’t for my family. You wouldn’t have graduated without me.” Her eyes dance with rage. “I can make it all go away like that.” She snaps her fingers.

“This is getting toxic, Ava?—”

“You’re used to it with that crazy bitch in your life,” she hurls at me, and heat burns through me.

“Don’t speak of her like that.”

She laughs like an evil fucking witch. “Listen to me, Quinn. You needed me, I helped you, and now, you will help me.”

I press my lips together. “If it’s about the money?—”

“It’s not,” she demands, her eyes wild, but I see the tears welling up. “It’s about getting out from under their thumbs, and I need you in order to do that.”

She glares at me, and I swallow hard, but I nod.

“Kick her out,” she demands, and I shake my head. “She’s going to ruin everything.”

“No.”

“What?”

“No, she won’t. And I’m not kicking her out unless you’re kicking Yvette out.”

Her body shakes with rage. “I have lived with her for years. You are trying to hold on to a love that isn’t worth it. She left you. Threw you away like trash. Why do you want her around you?” She steps toward me once more. “Don’t you realize she’s only back to get under your skin and make you fall helplessly in love with her before she’ll ruin you all over again? She’s toxic, she’s fucking crazy, and she’s not worth your time. Stop making dumb mistakes and keep your eyes on the prize.” I press my lips together as she steps around me. “Make sure you talk to your parents.”

I close my eyes. “You could ask at dinner Sunday.”

“Fucking hell, I forgot we were invited. Fine, I will.” I feel her stop beside me, and when I look down, she’s watching me. “Will Emery be there?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly, and I sure as shit don’t like the slow grin that moves across her lips.

“Maybe she and I will have a little chat.”

I shake my head. “It’s your funeral.”

Ava’s glare could cut glass. “Think I’m scared of your little girlfriend?”

I don’t even correct her. “It doesn’t matter if you’re scared or not. Emery will always take care of herself and those she loves.”

“Which you assume is you?” She lets out a chuckle. “If she loved you even a fraction of the amount you love her, she wouldn’t have left you.”

“I’ve told you many times,” I say through gritted teeth, “I don’t talk about Emery with you.”

I hate the victory in her eyes. “Fine. Do yourself a favor and rein her in, Quinn. I will ruin you if you ruin this.”

I watch as she walks away, getting into her car before I let my shoulders droop. Deep inside, I know I need to tell Emery what is going on. But I also know telling her will result in her doing whatever it takes to get me out of the situation I’m in.

Problem is, there is just no way out.

Chapter

Twelve

---