Page 69 of Space Junk: Houston, We Have a Hottie
Before they can kiss, I spin on my soggy Chucks and slide into the Tesla.
It really does reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
Eighteen
Fail Safe
Flynn
I flexmy arms against the wall. It’s either try to crumble brick with my bare hands or strangle the woman in front of me. Sweat drips down my neck. Not from the heat, but rather the exertion of all the willpower it takes to remain in her presence and not commit violence.
Beth continues to ramble on about how much she misses me and how obvious it is that I’m not over her blah, blah, blah. Sweet Jesus, how in the world had I ever thought I loved this person? I’ve never been so grateful to my brother than I am right now for lighting a fire under my ass to get out of town. Even if he lit that fire by fucking my ex-girlfriend.
“It was just a misunderstanding, Flynn.”
I’m not sure if she is talking about whatever she said to Jackie or if she honestly is trying to say she misunderstood Holt’s dick in her? I surprise myself by laughing, but I stop by taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Who would’ve thought I’d ever find humor in this situation? I’m feeling pretty far removed from it now.
I have Jackie to thank for that.
“It was only ever you, Flynn.” Beth pouts, trailing her death talons across my chest.
I try not to roll my eyes and fail.
“Hey!” She stomps her foot, forgetting the broken heel and swaying to the side. “You know I’m right. You and me, we’re meant to be together.” She takes a deep breath, pushing her doctor-made breasts in my face. She’s gone up a size or two since we were together. “It’s been over long enough, sweetie. Let’s move on.” She rolls her eyes, like me not getting over the fact that she used me for my wallet then fucked my brother is somehow annoying. “And don’t worry, baby, I’m not mad about that girl. I know you had to get this out of your system.”
She needs to shut up for her own safety. And not just from me. If Rose hears her spouting this shit I’ll have another brawl on my hands. It’s only for my sister’s sake that I hauled Beth away. All so Rose doesn’t get in any more trouble with the cops. Before they’d arrived, Rose mentioned it wasn’t her first time tangling with Beth. Lord knew what happened last time, but a second offense with the same person would not be good for Rose.
“I know you miss me, Flynn.” Beth raises her hands to cradle my face.
“Don’t fucking touch me,” I snap, done with playing mediator.
Beth’s hands freeze and slowly drop back down to her sides.
Tires squeal as someone peels out of the lot. I turn to catch a glimpse of a silver car turning onto the road.
“Flynn! Pay attention to me.” She tries stomping her foot again, but only manages to wobble on her broken heel. “Or I’ll go talk to the cops,” she sing-songs.
The look I give her makes her eyes go wide.
“I—”
“How did you think this would work, Beth? You come back and mess with our lives again and one of the West brothers would take you back? Let me guess—your latest sugar daddy get tired of your drama? Looking for another rich man to whore yourself out to for the high-end lifestyle?”
Beth pales.
I know I’m being harsh, but I just don’t care. “I’m with Jackie now.”
At Jackie’s name, Beth’s eyes light up. “You can’t honestly thinkthatgirl would fit in where we’re from. She’s not in our league, Flynn. Get real.”
“Jackie is so far beyond your league it isn’t even funny. She’s got a goddamn doctorate. She’s a genius NASA engineer. How the hell you thought you’d compete with that, I’m not sure.”
This time Beth rolls her eyes. “You think just because someone has a few degrees that makes them any less interested in your money?”
The band around my chest snaps. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She laughs, like a hyena going in for the kill. “Don’t I? I know exactly what I’m talking about. How many student loans did she have to take out to pay for all those genius degrees? She can’t even afford decent clothes. Those ridiculous sneakers, for God’s sake. And yet she surrounds herself with people with money.” The side of her mouth tilts up. “Who was that fine man she left with? The one with the Rolex and the Tesla?”
“Leave it to you to price out every man in the room, Beth. Not everyone needs five-hundred-dollar shoes.”
