Page 25 of The Neighbor's Son

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I’ll set this up front for you to get later. I shouldn’t have come here.”

“Later, loser,” the guy says with a laugh that echoes across the whole damn place. “Next time make an appointment.”

Casey calls out to me, but I’m already practically fucking running to the front desk. I slam the cup down with a little too much force, flinging condensation droplets all over the sign in sheet.

“For Casey,” I hiss out, and then rush out the door.

What the hell just happened?

I climb into my car and peel out of the parking lot. I’m desperate to put as much space between me and that awkward fucking moment as possible.

This is her workplace.

I just showed up unannounced and had the audacity to get jealous of her doing her job.

I’m so frustrated and upset with myself, I totally run a yellow light that turns red midway through. It’s no surprise when a cop pulls out behind me after I sail through the intersection.

“Fuck!”

I pull over and slam the car into park. I’m overwhelmed by messy emotions. I don’t like them. I don’t like how out of control I feel now that I’ve been pursuing Casey.

One minute I know she likes me. A lot.

The next, I think I misunderstood everything and it’s a stupid fantasy I want to come to life.

Now I’m getting a damn ticket.

I mash the button down for the window and await my fate. A man saunters over to me and laughs.

Wait, laughs?

I whip my head over to see Cole leaning in, smirking at me. In his cop getup, he’s kind of intimidating. But there’s amusement in his eyes, so maybe that’s a good sign.

“Dude, I’m so sorry,” I mutter. “I fucked up. Just give me my ticket.”

“Your dad’s one of my best friends, kid. I’m not about to fuck that up by giving his baby boy a ticket. I’m here to warn you to slow the hell down and pay attention.”

“Warning taken.” I run a shaking hand over the back of my neck. “Sorry, Cole.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yes.” I grimace. “No. But you’re a cop, not a therapist.”

“I’m a neighbor and a friend, too. My shift is ending. Let’s meet at the diner and have a chat.”

“Did Savvy tell you?”

“That you’re head over heels in love with Casey? Yup. Also, I saw you fly out of the parking lot where she works. Something happened. Let’s talk about it. Follow me.”

With those words, he leaves, assuming I’ll follow. I don’t want to, but I feel trapped now, and go with him to the diner. Once inside, sitting opposite at a booth and our order placed, Cole affixes me with a firm stare.

“Tell me, kid.”

“I’m not a kid,” I grumble. “Same age as the girl you’re sharing with your best friend.”

Okay, that was mean.

Cole arches an eyebrow. “You really are upset. I’ve never once known you to be an asshole. Spill it or I’ll interrogate the shit out of you.”

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