Page 21 of Follow Me Down

“I hope you don’t mind. I kind of helped myself.”

“Not at all.” He steps up next to me and snags the beer out of my hand. I watch, completely captivated, as he lifts the bottle to his lips and kills half the contents in one quick pull. “Mmm.” The sound rumbles from the back of his throat.

“By all means, have some,” I tease. My stomach does a full somersault when he hits me with an amused smile, his teeth so white I swear I can almost see my reflection in them.

“Don’t mind if I do.” He proceeds to drink the rest of the beer.

“Rude.” I balk, crossing my arms in front of myself.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you another.” With that, he spins around and heads to the fridge.

“Come on, puppet, pizza is to be eaten in the living room,” Link calls from the couch as he flips on the television, pulling my attention away from Titus’ backside as he leans over and retrieves two more beers.

“I’m coming.” I grab my plate off the counter and head into the living room, opting to take the floor next to the coffee table rather than a spot on the couch.

“What the hell are you doing down there?” Titus drops the second pizza onto the table before handing me a new beer.

“I like having a table in front of me,” I say in a way of explanation.

Titus slides down onto the opposite side of the couch as Link, which given where I’m sitting, puts him almost right on top of me. Not that I mind.

I turn my attention to the T.V., which is playing an episode of Family Guy. I’ve maybe seen an episode or two of this show before, but to be fair, I’m not much of a television person.

I make it through my first slice of pizza before helping myself to a second, managing to drink another entire beer in the process.

It feels good. This simplicity. Just sitting around, eating pizza, and drinking beer.

“You want another?” Titus snags my empty bottle off the table as he stands.

“Sure.” I look up at him, mesmerized by the sight.

Lord, what is wrong with me?

“Will you get me one too?” Link hollers over his shoulder as Titus reaches the kitchen.

“Get up and get it yourself,” Titus bites back.

“Now that’s not a very nice way to talk to the man holding this, now is it?” We both look in his direction as he pops open his cigarette pack and pulls one out.

“Why the fuck would I want that?” Titus sets two beers on the counter and twists off the caps.

“Maybe you should look a little closer.” Link waves the cigarette in the air.

“Is that a...” I start to ask but lock my mouth shut.

“A joint,” Link finishes my thought. “Why yes, puppet, it is. And while we’re on the topic, weren’t we just discussing how adventurous you claim to be.” With that, he lights it and takes a deep inhale. “You want a hit?” he asks, smoke filtering out through his lips as he speaks.

“Cut it out, Link.” Titus hands me a fresh beer before reclaiming his seat behind me. “She’s not the type.”

For some reason his statement irks me and I find my head swinging in his direction.

“How do you know I’m not the type?” My voice is laced with more attitude than I intended.

True, I’ve never smoked marijuana before, but for him to assume I don’t want to makes me want to if for no other reason than to prove him wrong. Which I realize makes absolutely no sense.

“Ooohhhh.” Link slaps his leg as laughter rumbles through him. “She done told you.”

“Have you ever done this before?” Titus swipes the joint from Link’s hand and leans forward, holding it inches in front of my face.

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