Page 34 of PET

“Yeah, something like that,” I finally reply to Van’s question.

“Something like that? You two just fucking her then?”

I glance at him, wondering why he’s so interested in this topic suddenly. Isn’t he happily married to the girl of his dreams? “What gives, man?” I ask.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you asking about it? The last time I checked, you ditched Billie’s ass when Everlee enrolled at Reaper. Why do you—”

“Because I’m not a complete fucking prick, dude. Billie has been our good friend for years. The three of us have always watched out for her. That’s all I’m doing now. And I am happily married, fucker. Don’t think my drilling you means I’m jealous or don’t love my wife.”

He’s pissy as fuck and that usually means he’s about to snap, and when Holden snaps, we all stay the fuck out of his way.

“Sorry, man, I’m just on edge lately.” I run a hand over my tired face, blowing out a breath.

He glances at me and asks, “You good?”

I don’t know how to tell him I’m not sure. Christian first wanted to fuck with Billie because of everything that happened with her mom and the drama of Reaper, but now he’s acting like he actually wants her because he likes her. Something has been off about this the entire time. I’m the one who likes Billie—I always fucking have, even when Holden had her. And now I’ve caught his dad fucking the Barrett’s sister against his desk the night before Mrs. Fairfax shows up asking Christian for his help. There’s a lot more going on in this town than meets the eye, and not a single one of these fuckers is being honest about any of it.

“Yeah, man, just the stress of being a senior, ya know?” I laugh, totally lying through my teeth, but Holden doesn’t need to hear about my shit. He has enough going on, and I don’t want to bring up what happened last year, knowing it would fuck with him again. Losing his mom hit everyone hard, but especially Holden. He became a completely different guy after her death. I don’t want to be the one to dredge up those memories.

“Well, you’re about to release some stress. We’re here,” he says, nodding toward the bowling alley. “God, this place brings back memories.”

I laugh, knowing which memories he’s talking about. “Now we’re here to punch out another Hastings. You’ve gotta be excited about that.”

We get out of the Rover and stalk toward the front doors like we own the place. Kids from the valley and surrounding towns know who we are, stepping out of our way and giving us a wide berth. Whispers spread like wildfire, but we pay no mind to them, entering the alley as the neon lights and sounds of the balls striking against the pins enter my ears.

I don’t remember the last time I stepped foot in here. It’s not every day I come down from Reaper to this hellhole, but I’m here to make a statement. CJ is done with Billie, needing the reminder in person, it seems.

Kids still part as we storm past the food counter and find who we’re looking for. CJ is among some of his buddies, laughing and having a good time. Until he turns and sees me. His smile drops as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“What the fuck are you doing here? This isn’t your turf,” he says all tough now that he has his buddies with him.

I grin, kicking a vacant stool out of my way. Holden is right behind me with his own smirk. CJ’s gaze bounces between us when his friends form a line. They’re expecting a fight, but I’m not here for them. Either way, I’ll kick their asses, too.

“You posted something earlier that I want you to remove,” I tell him.

He snorts, looking at his friends as if I’m totally crazy. “And you can go fuck yourself.”

I’m straight faced, unaffected by their attempt to intimidate me. I square my shoulders and crack my neck. “Remove the post and delete Billie from your phone. I won’t ask again.”

One of his buddies snorts. “Are these the guys who jumped you at the pool hall?”

“One of them,” CJ answers, nodding at me.

“I didn’t lay a finger on you, motherfucker. Just be glad it’s me showing up here tonight and not Christian.”

A flash of fear sweeps across his face before he glances toward the exit, probably wondering if Christian is nearby. He looks at Holden next, sizing him up.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

We all turn at the sound of Jett’s voice. I honestly didn’t even know he was still around, let alone still hanging out at the fucking bowling alley.

“None of your goddamn business, Hastings,” Holden snaps.

Jett snorts. “It’s my business when you two fucks come in here threatening my cousin.”

I grin. “Nobody’s threatening anyone—yet.”

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