Page 56 of Acid

R: Depends what you were planning on Friday.

I hit send and wait for his reply. It takes a little longer this time.

A: Dress up and I will pick you up at 7.

I frown, wondering what he’s planning before I reply.

R: I can’t. Oliver will be here, remember?

He responds straight away.

A: He’s going to Ghost’s and Star’s for a sleepover.

My mouth hangs open and anger creeps up my spine at his audacity of arranging where my son is going without consulting me. My fingers angrily type.

R: I can’t believe you’ve gone and made arrangements for Oliver without consulting me.

I hit send and wait. The three little dots pop up, indicating that he’s typing his reply, but then they disappear. I cross my arms over my chest when I get no response. Suddenly, my phone lights up. Acid is calling me. I answer, but before I can say anything, he’s speaking straight away.

“Do you have a problem with Olly going to Ghost’s and Star’s for the night?” he asks.

“Well, no but?—”

He cuts me off. “Right then, it’s sorted.”

“No, it’s not sorted. I’m his mom and you shouldn’t just organise stuff without me knowing,” I argue.

He exhales down the phone. “Woman, do you trust me?” he asks.

“Yes, you know I do,” I answer.

“Then allow me to make arrangements that will help you out. I know you are worried about him after what happened. That’s why I asked Ghost and Star. You couldn’t ask for more protection for him,” he states.

I sigh, giving in. “Where are we going?” I ask.

“You’ll find out on Friday,” he answers.

I huff. “That’s not fair,” I complain.

“Just wear something dressy. Not just your dressing gown,” he states.

I look down at myself. I’m wearing my dressing gown. I get off the bed and look out the window, seeing Acid sat there on his bike. “What are you doing here?” I ask, smiling.

“My turn to watch the place,” he answers.

“Then why don’t you come in? You don’t need to stay out there all night,” I tell him.

He lets out a deep growl. “Because if I come up there, I will be fucking you, and I don’t want to tonight,” he confesses.

“Who said I would fuck you?” I counter. I catch his smile, even from across the road.

“Oh, you want to fuck me,” he teases.

I laugh. “You are so full of yourself.”

He laughs. “I’m right, though.”

I laugh. “I’m going to go now,” I say.

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