Page 129 of Magic or Madness

I really need this class more than I thought because as soon as the instructor takes us through our warm-up poses the tension leaves my body, and I can feel myself relaxing. The thoughts of the job, my fight with Ozzy, and a million what-if scenarios fade away, only allowing me to focus on my breathing.

It’s quiet here, a place where I can truly decompress from the stress I’ve been under, and amidst the silence, I can’t help the idea that begins to form.

We can’t fight something we can’t see. If this client wants to threaten us, we won’t lie down and take it. I’ve got a plan rolling around that may get us a little closer to knowing our enemy, or ending the battle.

My body is sore after missing the last few classes, but once the hour is up, I feel like a brand new person. We check the street before leaving, ensuring the creepy man from earlier isn’t lingering around or waiting for us. Once the coast is clear we hurry back to the dealership, uninterested in getting caught up in any other freaky shit on our walk.

“Fal, we’re going to get our nails done later, want to come?” Cami offers, and I politely decline, hating how much of a disconnect I’ve felt from her lately.

This job has kept me completely sheltered from her, and it’s beginning to take a toll on us both.

“I have a few ideas to help the guys, plus, if they ruin my board I’ll have to kill them,” I say, gently attempting to let her down, but she looks utterly disappointed.

“You don’t have to help them, you know. They’re big boys,” she tells me, flipping her hair over her shoulder, a tell-tale sign that she’s upset.

“I know, but I like helping. We’ll do something this weekend, alright?”

“Fine, I’m holding you to that. I miss you.” She takes her bottom lip in between her teeth, caressing my face with her knuckles, and I shudder against her soft touch.

I drape my arm around her shoulder, gently kissing her on the cheek.

“I miss you too, Camila. This weekend, I promise.” I hold my pinky out to hers, and we interlock our fingers, solidifying our promise.

Pepper laughs, reminding us of her presence, but blissfully unaware that we’re openly flirting in front of her.

“You better. I’m in the mood for vodka and a little lip gloss chaser,” she teases, and I playfully elbow her in the ribs.

“Youdid notjust say that,” I laugh, noting her musical reference, shaking my head and looping my arm through hers.

We walk in sync until we reach the dealership, and just as we walk inside there’s a loud crash, followed by yelling.

For fucks sake.

Instantly, we can see the destruction, and the source is Max, throwing shit around.

He’s breaking glass, yelling, and seems drunk, but I can’t make out what he’s saying.

Ozzy and Journey are trying to calm him down, but it’s no use, he’s ranting about Doc from what I can gather.

“You would be at his mercy if I didn’t have the balls to pull that trigger, remember that while you feel like a leader, Ozzy!” He yells, the sarcasm dripping from his voice as he launches a plate across the kitchen.

It smashes on the floor, and Pepper and Cami run to their rooms, taking cover from the fallout.

I was hoping this would die down today, but clearly Max is still bitter over his demotion.

“And you! This is your fault, they’re going to be dead because of you.” He turns and points at me, tossing another plate right in my direction.

Bits of ceramic pile at my feet, and I’m completely dumbfounded at his anger toward me. We aren’t the closest of friends, but for him to accuse me of being the problem is shocking.

“Max, I didn’t do this purposely. I know you’re upset, but the right thing to do was call off the job,” I defend myself, but he goes on a tangent again, slurring as he speaks.

“Listen, be mad all you want, but if you throw another fucking plate at her, we’re going to have a problem. Understand?” Ozzy says calmly, coming beside me and wrapping me into his arms.

“You’re fucking pussy whipped, Ozzy. Both of you can go fuck yourselves!”

Smash.

There goes another plate.

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