Page 42 of Jake Forever
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was vaguely aware that the attitude I was giving Bianca was my last defense against totally losing it.
Inside, my heart was still racing, and my thoughts were a disjointed, jumbled mess. My legs were trembling, and I had a sneaky suspicion that it wasn't because of the run, or because I was cold and wet. It was because of everything else that had happened within the last hour.
So in a twisted way, I was almost glad that Bianca was here, sneering at me like she always did. If she wasn't, I might have to think about what could've happened to me a few minutes earlier if things had gone down differently.
I might also have to think about the fact that soon, I'd be skulking through the lobby of Jake's building, looking like a drowned rat, and giving Pete the opportunity to say, "I told you so." Not that he would. He was far too professional for that.
But he'd definitely be thinking it.
Vince's voice broke into my thoughts. "I think there's a hoodie in that duffle bag. You want it? It's yours."
I glanced around and spotted a red gym bag sitting on the floor mat, just behind Vince's seat. Gratefully, I started reaching for it, only to be interrupted by Bianca, whining, "But she's gonna get it all wet."
I hesitated. She did have a point. And I'd learned from experience that accepting favors from Vince was a dangerous proposition. He didn't do anything just to be nice. I'd learnedthatmyself, the hard way.
Still, through the shivers, a little voice in my head whispered, "Yeah. But so what?"
I'd already crossedthatbridge by getting into his car. There was no going back now – and probably, I wouldn’t, even if I could. The street suddenly seemed far too dangerous, and not only because of the storm.
So I ignored Bianca and leaned down to unzip the bag. Sure enough, I found a navy hoodie nestled atop some workout clothes. No towel. Unfortunately.
Buy hey, I was in no position to complain.
From the driver's seat, Vince said, "Don't worry. I don't need it back."
Beside him, Bianca made a sniffing sound. "Eauw." She sniffed again. "Something smells like a wet dog." She peered around her seat and wrinkled her nose at me. "Is thatyou?"
Oh, for God's sake. I didn't smell like a wet dog, even if I did feel like one.
Still, I made myself smile. "Woof, woof."
Her gaze narrowed. "You aresoimmature. Youdorealize that?"
Yeah, and she was a turd. But since I wasn't thrilled with the idea of walking, that sentiment was better left unsaid, especially because the car hadn't yet moved. If they were going to kick me out, now would be the perfect time.
Vince leaned around his seat and said, "You're heading to Jake's, right?"
"Uh, yeah," I said. "Actually, I was walking back there when I got caught in the rain."
Vince nodded. "Good timing. We're headed there, too."
They were? For what? The last I'd heard, Jake and Bianca weren't quite on speaking terms, and as far as Vince, he and Jake were practically arch-enemies.
From the passenger's seat, Bianca added, "So you can thank your lucky stars that we were in the neighborhood."
I resisted the urge to snort again. I'd seen my horoscope. My stars weren't lucky. Not today, anyway.
And, as I soon learned, my luck wasn't about to improve any time soon.
