Page 199 of Devil's Bargain

“Will do, old man!”

His loud laughter follows me as I roll over to Rick. What do I do now? I’m suddenly nervous. “I’ve finished.”

He drags his eyes away from my jeans and black t-shirt now that the apron is off and he can see my clothes.

He scoots the chair back, pulls his wallet from his back pocket, and throws some cash on the table. Nancy is going to squeal when she sees the hefty tip.

“I’ll meet you outside. The wheelchair access is through that way.” I point to the back area, but he shakes his head. “I’ll go with you.”

The sun is high in the sky, warming my already heated cheeks.

“You live nearby?” he asks.

“It’s only a couple of roads down.”

“How do you usually get home?”

“I get a taxi.”

“My car is just there.” He points to his flashy sports car. Some things never change.

“I’m not good with high speeds,” I admit.

120. 130. 140.

“Please, Baron. Slow down.”

“I won’t let them take you from me!”

“I’ll drive slowly.”

I follow him to his car, and my cheeks burn as he holds the door open for me, watching me get in the passenger seat.

“Let me,” I say when he goes to collapse my wheelchair. “It’s this here.” I show him. “Same on the other side.”

He’s silent while I fold it down.

Without looking at him, I ask if he can place it in his boot or the back of the car.

I don’t know if I want to cry or not. It’s as if he’s come along and torn the gauze off my bleeding chest.

All the emotions I’ve pushed down float to the surface in his presence. I want to forget the pain Scott, Jared, and Baron put me through, but it’s hard.

He lowers himself into the driver’s seat and shuts the door. The car roars to life, and we pull away from the curb.

I wince, clutching the sides of my seat.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I’m not. Headlights are heading towards me.

“Please, Baron. Please!”

I squeeze my eyes shut but blink them open in surprise when a familiar song begins playing on the stereo. “You remember?”

“Angel With a Shotgun by The Cab. I remember.” He smiles, blinding me once again. “The guys laugh at me because it’s become a ritual for me to play this song before every game.”

I stare at him disbelievingly. “No?”

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