Page 15 of Sinners' Appetite
Once we set that one up in their room, we go back down to set up the last one, placing it next to the window in their living room space.
“Another coffee?” he asks as I take a seat on their couch for a minute.
“No, I have to get going. I have to sort through some boxes at home. I’ve been putting it off for too long already.”
“Well, I appreciate the help. Sammi will be so happy.”
“My pleasure. Let me know when you want to get started on the basement renovations.”
“Will do!”
I head out the door, making my way to my car. Just as I’m about to hop in, I see someone peeking through the curtain on Nikki’s side of the duplex. Just moments later, I get a text.
Thanks again. I’m sorry I didn’t really talk much. I’m still a little—shocked by everything.
No problem. I’m glad you liked the basket. I’m sorry if it was weird me being there when you woke up.
Not weird at all. I appreciated the gesture. So much.
Fuck. I don’t even know what to say to her. I don’t want to come off too strong.
Let me know if there is anything else you need. I know you have Sammi and Jeremy, but…
I’m sure they get tired of helping me all the time. Being a damsel in distress seems to be my thing lately.
Oh?
Long story. I just seem to have a lot of unnecessary bullshit going on in my life these days.
Anything I can help with?
Not unless you can get rid of a bunch of people for me.
Well shit. Now she’s speaking my language. Instead of texting her back right away, I start my car and head home. I’m not so sure she’s ready to hear about my dark past quite yet.
She said a bunch of people.
What was that supposed to mean?
Was that attack… planned?
Does she know something that I don’t? I thought she fell victim to another random mugging or something. She left the club with a bunch of cash in her pocket. Maybe there was more to it?
There’s only one way to find out. I’ll fish for more information. Not from her though.
Jeremy and Sammi know her more than anyone.
I reach into my pocket for my phone but as I do, it starts to ring. Speak of the devil—it’s Jeremy.
“Hey,” I answer.
“Hi! Don’t worry—I don’t have another shelf for you to build or anything. Sammi and I were wondering if you wanted to come over tonight for some drinks? Nikki will be there. She says she’s not drinking though.”
“She probably shouldn’t drink,” I blurt out, sounding more possessive than I had intended.
“You’re right. Not until she’s fully healed.”
“What time?”
