Page 106 of Charming Like Us
“He didn’t have money,” I realize. “Fuck.”
We all start heading backwards through the opened doors, and instinctively, I reach and clasp Jack’s hand. So he’ll follow.
We’re not a couple.
I drop it immediately.
He’s not even out.
Fuckfuckfuck.
Our eyes catch, and apologies ring in mine.
He mouths,it’s alright.And he pushes my back lightly, encouraging me to keep chasing after my friend.
Okay.
Okay.
Outside on the deck, I quickly see two exits: the stairs or the railing. The stairs are jam-packed, and so without stopping, I hurdle the railing and land softly on the sidewalk below.
Farrow has to take the stairs, strapped with a baby and on-duty.
I survey the congested street and squint in the setting sun. Rush-hour traffic, cars honk loudly, and there’s no fucking sign of Donnelly.
I even jog down the sidewalk and glance along the alleyways.
Pulse thrashed, I pull out my cell and speed-dial his number. Pressing it to my ear, I growl out, “Pick up, you motherfucker.”
Farrow, Maximoff, and Jack reach the curb where I’m walking and redialing my friend.
“No answer?” Farrow asks.
“He’s in trouble, bro.”
Farrow combs a hand through his bleach-white hair. “I don’t know how to fucking help if he keeps pushing us away.”
I don’t either.
It scares me.
Jack drops his longboard and kicks off next to me. “Could he have just forgotten his wallet?”
“He would’ve asked us to cover him,” I say as we reroute and walk back to Woody’s. “This has to be about what he did…” I trail off. Everyone’s eyes fall to Ripley against Farrow’s chest.
We lower our voices and stop on the curb as paparazzi sprint toward us.
“If he’s giving Scottie money in prison,” Maximoff says, “I can pay Donnelly back—”
“He won’t accept it, Hale. We’re all a bunch of prideful idiots.”
Farrow wipes a hand down the side of his face. “Shit.”
Yeah.
Shit.
We can’t do anything. Our friend is going to continue down whatever path he’s carved out for himself.
