Page 110 of Manny

I can imagine that sweet smile spreading across his face. I hope so, anyway.

Bandit

First time anyone has called me that. Your ass won’t be thanking me the next time we’re all together

The next time we’re all together.

Hope brews again. All is not lost. Bandit is just dealing with his own head, and I truly get that. It’s confronting, and there’s Eli to think of. I understand completely where he’s coming from.

Me

Promises, promises. GTG. I’m heading into work.

Bandit

Later

I tuck my phone back into my jeans and dump my work bag. I stick my head into the kitchen and say hello to the kitchen staff, but don’t see Hustler. Audrina isn’t here either, but Louisa is manning the counter and I say hi as I slip on an apron.

I’m feeling so much lighter knowing that Bandi hasn’t abandoned us, I momentarily forget about my own issues.

I busy myself cleaning the coffee machine as I use the free time from customers to get ready for the after-school rush. I don’t even hear the man at the counter until he clears his throat.

“Oh.” I turn. “I’m so sorry, I…” I stop in my tracks, my words dying in my throat.

No. No!

I haven’t even had time to tell the boys. I don’t even have time to call for help.Do I need help?The coffee shop isn’t exactly crowded, but there are people here.

“Hello, Lace.” Mateo Judice smiles at me. His impeccable suit looks new, his cufflinks sparkling with little diamonds as he gives me a crooked smile. It does nothing to settle my nerves. Two goons stand by the door outside and my heart drops. “How lovely to see you again.”

23

MANNY

I’msurprised when Bandit steps into the kitchen. It’s been six days and it’s felt like the longest in my life.

At first, I wanted to be mad. We all know Bandit has a huge chip on his shoulder. However, now that I’ve gotten to know him a little better, I know that most of that is just bravado and a whole lotta pain. He has a right to how he feels, and like we said the night we spent together last; it’s a safe space and I need him to know that.

I’ve been there. I had nobody to tell me it was going to be okay, that all the feelings I had were not only completely normal, but valid. I had nobody, except Shep, but even that took me being beaten up before he really took me under his wing.

Having him come and celebrate with us the night I got patched in was selfless. He’s so busy, but he always finds time to fit me in. Seeing his proud face had me tearing up. I may not be the big hot shot that he is, but I’m finally free to be me. And that’s what matters.

“Hey,” his voice is low.

“Hi.” I swear, he’s the only person on the planet that can render me speechless. For one, he smells fucking amazing. It’sclear he’s just freshly showered by the dampness of his hair. His shirt looks fresh and it clings to his body. He’s wearing his cut, of course, and his usual jeans and boots, but the look on his face? I can’t work out if he’s more sheepish or nonchalant.

“You been hiding out?” I can’t help adding.

He rubs his chin. “I’ve just been busy, the garage has been nuts this week. I’ve been doin’ overtime.”

“Uh, huh.” I turn my back on him, putting a stack of bowls and plates in the dishwasher. “Lace thinks you’re avoiding us.”

“It’s a lot,” he admits.

I turn. “If you’re thinkin’ about breakin’ up with her, then do it now before she gets in too deep.” I point at him. “I care about her, Bandit. I don’t want to see her hurt because you can’t make your mind up if you want a meaningful connection or not. I get you wanting to explore your feelings, but I’m not sure that Lace is the right experiment.”

“Is that what you really think? I’m experimenting with her?”

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