Page 98 of Deliverance

Drew: Sounds like a huge commitment, considering that franchise has a million movies.

There are only 9, but we can start with something else. If you want.

My eyes are glued to the screen, waiting for Drew’s response, when the door cracks open and Jacob’s head peeks in.

“Stevie and I are going to that Korean place down the street. You want anything?”

“Whatever you’re getting.” Food is the last thing on my mind right now. “Any news from Leo?”

“Nope.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Like I have a choice. He’s the guy I work for.”

“I’m not talking about creative differences. I’m talking about the fact that he’s using again.”

The beat of silence that engulfs us is heavy and menacing and threatens to burst like a water balloon.

Jacob regards me with a hardnone of your businessstare and mutters, “We’ll be back.” Then he exits the room.

I return my gaze to my phone. My last text to Drew is still unanswered. Somewhat hesitant, I flip through my list of contacts and dial Hazel’s number.

“Zander?” Her voice on the line is abnormally loud and I blame it on two child monsters I can clearly hear rioting in the background. “How are you?”

“I’m great. You?”

“I’m fine—” Crashing noises assault my ear and I pluck the phone away. “Hold on a second.” Silence, then muffled shouting. “Put it back, sweetie! Aiden, can you please make sure she doesn’t touch it? Thank you.” Another long pause and more banging. “Sorry. I’m back.” Hazel laughs, sounding out of breath.

“It’s all good.”

“How’s the new gig?”

My worst fears come true. Leo’s a brat when he’s rolling. “We’re almost done.”

“When’s the album due?”

“Next year from what I’ve heard so far.” I inhale with a shudder to gather all my courage. “Hey, listen… I want to talk to you.”

“Sure,” she drawls. “What about?”

“About Drew.”

“Yes.” The change of tone suggests she’s suspicious of my intentions.

“I’m going to ask her out on a date.” There. I said it. “And I need help.”

“Since when do you need help with women?”

“Since I don’t want to fuck this one up.”

Hazel sighs. “Okay, but promise me you won’t break her heart.”

Oh, Mrs. Cross, little do you know. Drew Kadence has already made a sizable dent in mine.

There’s no word from Leo, so I decide to drive back to Laguna instead of staying for dinner.

“You sure you don’t want to stick around?” Toby asks as he walks me out to the parking lot.

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