Page 46 of Pump Fake

“So, what you’re saying is that the loan isn’t paid off.”

“Of course not.” He huffed. “And I don’t know why you’re worrying. If they can’t wait for me to get out and start payments again, they’ll get to me in here.”

That’s what he thinks?My mind raced. He could be right. But the simplest answer would be to go after us first. I ran a hand over my forehead, struggling to wrap my brain around my family’s predicament. “I’m so sorry to come back around to this”—sarcasm bled from my words—“but why do you think it’ll be okay that you’re not making your payments because you’re in jail?” I couldn’t believe him.Does he not hear himself?

“They know I’m in jail. We worked out a bargain two years ago. I paid a lump sum to cover my time in jail. I madegood-faith payments as well to keep your mother safe. It’ll be fine. I’ll just pick back up where we left off when I get out.”

Is he that naïve?He couldn’t be. Something didn’t add up. “I don’t understand. You brought the mafia into our lives, and for what? Money? We could have moved somewhere else, downgraded from our luxurious lifestyle for one where we were together, safe.”

Dad leaned closer, anger turning his complexion ruddy. “I had to make hard choices. Your mother and I live a certain way. And don’t pretend you and your sister didn’t benefit.”

“So, you made a conscious choice to put us all in danger.” But that wasn’t it. He didn’t care if Ser or I were in danger, only his wife.

“I didn’t put anyone in danger. It’s handled and none of your business. You no longer live at home anyway.”

“What home? That’s gone, too, because of the choices you made. It was selfish and narcissistic, something I’d always known about you—and Mom—but I’d never thought you would put Ser and me in danger.” Well, Mom wasn’t quite as bad, but come on.

I didn’t bother waiting for his response. With a loud click, I slammed the phone back into its cradle and went to the door to wait for the security guard to let me out. As soon as I was in my car, I connected my phone and hit the button for Mal. It rang twice before she answered.

“I hate him,” I growled. “I never want to see him again.” Neglect was the norm for my childhood. The only good thing was that Ser and I had each other.

“Oh, Brie. It didn’t go well?”

I could hear people chatting in the background as she walked to class. “No. He treated the mob loan like it wasn’t a big deal and I should mind my own business. Not only is that a colossal amount of shit, but he didn’t ask about Ser once. He’sjust so self-centered. Mom is, too, but I think she cares about us a little.”

“Of course she does.”

“Well”—I rolled my eyes then realized it wasn’t a good idea as I swerved on the road—“when she’s not drunk. Her intentions are sort of good. She at least wants to make sure we’re taken care of. I know that’s why she’s pushing Ser to date her friends’ sons who have giant trust funds.”

“Doesn’t she know that Ser bats for the other team?”

“She thinks it’s just a phase.”

“So, she ignores what’s in front of her face?” Mal snorted. “That sounds about right.”

It made perfect sense. If something didn’t agree with the way my mom thought things should be, she wouldn’t acknowledge it. Her way was the only way, and she expected Ser and me to fall in line like the good little debutants she’d raised. Too bad neither of us fit that mold.

“What will you do now?” Mal asked.

I pushed out a breath and turned onto the highway. “I have to call Mom and make sure they’re leaving for your parents’ place this morning. My sister will make sure Mom follows through, but I just want to check in.”

“Good. I would say Serena could stay in our dorm, but not if you’re already being followed there. How’s it going with Ares at his place?”

Some of the tension eased from my shoulders. “Good. I’m glad his roommates are okay with me being there. And Ares and the guys have such packed schedules, it’s actually nice to spend nights together.” If I wasn’t careful, I could get used to that.

“Hey, I’m in front of my next class, and it’s about to start. Will you be okay?”

“Yeah, thanks for being there to keep me from falling off the ledge.”

“Always. And, Brie, please be careful.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll be smart. I have to teach class today, so chat later?”

“Definitely.”

I disconnected the call and mentally prepared to deal with my mom. The rest of the drive went fast, and the conversation with Mom was so much better than I’d thought it would be. They planned to leave as soon as Ser got home. Mom had already called the school and let them know they were going on vacation for a week, so Ser would be excused.

With that handled, I’d breezed through my afternoon substitute classes, stayed late to grade papers, and before I knew it, I was crossing the parking lot to go home at the same time as Preston, who waved. I glanced at the time, realizing the high school football team had already finished practice and headed to the locker rooms. I smiled and waved back at him. I couldn’t believe how far he’d come in ditching the attitude. I enjoyed having him in class now.

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