Page 53 of The Good Girl

“You too. And, Nevaeh…” Finally, someone uses my name. “He might be the top dog, but you’re the queen. Make the man work for it,” Legs says before slipping her arm through Lil’s and turning to head back to the saloon.

I grumble about insufferable men as I head to the diner, cursing Havoc for making me bring a bodyguard and Hoops for being said bodyguard when I’m still mad at him for getting me into this mess in the first place. I’ve tried to let it go because I’m an adult, and it all worked out in the end, but mentally, I’m still sticking my tongue out at the big stupid-headed asshole.

Not that he’s helping change my opinion of him. I just wanted five minutes of peace. Instead, I had to sit there watching Hoops flirt in that noisy-ass bar, of all places. Are five freaking minutes of peace too much to ask for? Well, we’re about to find out.

I wonder how long it will take the prospect to realize I’ve left without him? I guess it depends on if he can pull himself away from the bartender’s boobs. I’m sure he’ll come looking for me eventually, not wanting to risk Havoc’s wrath.

I slow my steps and sigh. I don’t want Hoops to get into trouble just because I’m mad. As I pass the alleyway where the dumpsters are, I see a homeless man huddled on the ground with a blanket wrapped around his head and body. It’s not too cold today, but it did rain earlier, and I can only imagine that being wet makes it impossible to stay warm.

After a moment of hesitation, I decide that the best way to help him is to grab him something hot to eat. I head inside the diner and smile at the teenager behind the counter. I’ve seen her here a few times before but have never actually spoken to her.

“Hi, I’m here to pick up my order. It’s under ‘Havoc’.”

“Just give me a second. I’ll grab it for you. Anything else?”

“Yeah, do you have any soup or stew? Something I can take to the homeless guy outside?”

“Um, let me just go check.”

“Thanks…” I look at the badge on her chest. “Sarah. I appreciate it.”

She gives me a smile before disappearing. I look around the diner and spot Conan in one of the booths. I don’t know him well, but I do know he’s getting treatment for some kind of cancer, so he isn’t around the clubhouse much. He’s staring down at the table, and I almost decide to leave him alone, but there’s something so… sad about the guy that I’m standing beside him before I even realize my feet are moving.

Sensing me there, he looks up, a frown on his face before he recognizes me. “Amity’s friend, right?”

I nod. “Nevaeh,” I reply, sliding into the booth across from him. “I’m surprised to find you here alone.”

He huffs. “I snuck out.”

I grin. “Me too.”

He takes me in, his eyes moving to my cut before they widen. “And who are you sneaking away from?”

“I should’ve kept my mouth shut,” I mutter before taking a deep breath. “I may or may not have ditched the prospect that’s supposed to be watching me.”

He doesn’t say anything, clearly waiting for more. I groan and close my eyes, dropping my head to bang it on the table.

“Your president is driving me insane,” I admit.

“What’s Havoc’s problem?” He chuckles, picking up the glass of water in front of him and taking a sip.

“I bewitched him with my magical vagina, apparently,” I mutter, though clearly not quietly enough because he spits out his water all over the table.

I grab a handful of napkins from the dispenser next to the ketchup and clean up the mess.

“So you and Havoc are official now?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why? Are you saying I’m not good enough for him? Wait, how’d you know about me and Havoc?” I ask, surprised.

He blinks, then throws his head back and laughs, drawing the attention of everyone in the diner. “Thanks, I needed that.” He grins at me as Sarah walks over.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt. The cook’s making some beef stew and biscuits for you.”

“Oh, that’s perfect. Can I also get a hot chocolate to go and a bottle of water? And do you have any disposable utensils?”

“Actually, I think we do. I’ll throw some in for you.”

“Thank you,” I say with a smile.

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