Page 172 of The Hookup Situation
“It’s not,” I explain. “Craig would’ve done this to me, no matter who I’d moved on with. He was waiting to pounce, to use his finalfuck youand humiliate me. He’s the type of man who doesn’t take no for an answer. I think you’re his karma though.”
“The thought of that makes me smile,” he says.
When we’re back at my condo, my phone rings, and it’s Blaire. The picture for her contact is a selfie of us from last fall. We were laughing at something, but I can’t remember what.
“Hey, Jules. Just wanted to check in. How’s costume shopping?”
“We survived. Nick lifted two dudes by their shirts and threw them outside.”
“Good! I’m sure they deserved it. Listen, I did a complete protection ritual at your place earlier. Sage, crystals, and even buried some black tourmaline by your door. You got the full witchy works.”
Despite everything, I smile. “Thanks, Blaire.”
“Also—and don’t freak out—there’s something you should know.”
My stomach drops to my feet. “What now?”
“Craig’s mom called the coffee shop, looking for you. She says she hasn’t heard from him in three days. She sounded worried.”
“That’s concerning.”
“Yeah. She said it’s not common for him to do this. Even when he’s being a shit, he checks in with her. Just stay alert, okay? The cards this morning were weird. The Tower kept coming up.”
I clear my throat. “I don’t have the energy for tarot foreshadowing right now, Blaire. Call me when The Lovers arrives.”
The Tower. It means destruction, upheaval, chaos.
I laugh it off, but unease sits in my stomach like a ten-pound weight. What if the thing falling apart is me?
“You’re right,” she says. “Just use your karate moves if you need to, okay, Red Menace?”
“You know I will.”
After I hang up, I plop down on the couch.
Nick joins me. “We need to talk about something.”
“If this is more bad news?—”
“It’s not. You now have a bodyguard.”
I stare at him. “What?”
“Don’t worry; he’s subtle, but he’s watching when I can’t. Professional guy, former military, and only temporary until November first.”
“Nick, that’s?—”
“Necessary. His name is Brody. He’s a dick, doesn’t say much, but he’s also marrying Zane’s little sister and volunteered. He’s the best in the business, and you don’t tell him no. I’m sorry. I didn’t hire him. He’s going to do it whether I want him to or not.”
“Okay,” I say, and he sits down next to me.
Nick leans forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “Brody’s already watching the perimeter. You probably won’t see him, but he’ll see you. That’s how he works.”
I blink. “Wait, he’s here? Like … right now?”
Nick’s mouth tips into a half-grin. “I bet he’s parked down the street in some unmarked truck, eating jerky and scaring kids in costumes.”
Despite myself, I laugh. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?”
