Page 87 of No Good Deed

“You kind of were today. It wasn’t the same as high school, but I gotta say, I was getting a little worried the way you were pushing people around.”

“I wasn’t—”

“You were.” He looks me in the eye. “I’m saying this as your friend. You need to get that shit under control beforeitcontrolsyou.”

Danny wouldn’t say that unless he really meant it. He’s worried about me, and maybe he should be. I’m not myself right now. Every little thing seems to bother me. I haven’t slept much since I talked to Jake on Sunday. I’ve called him a few times since then, but he won’t answer. And when I text him, he texts back that he’s busy and not to bother him.

Brook’s noticed I’ve been quieter than usual, but she hasn’t forced me to talk. She knows I will when I’m ready. I told her there’s stuff going on with Jake, but I didn’t get into details. Talking about it just makes me angrier so I need to calm down before talking to Brook. I love that she’s so understanding. It’s one of the many reasons I love her. I want Jake to find a girl like that too someday, but I don’t think Tara’s that girl. She clearly doesn’t care about Jake as much as she claims to if she’s dating someone else.

“Any interest in going out tonight?” Danny asks.

“I can’t. Brook and I have plans.”

“Oh, yeah? What are you doing?”

“She’s making dinner, and we’re um, having someone over.”

“I’m guessing that someone is Chelsea?”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to say her name.”

“It’s fine. You can say it. Just because we broke up doesn’t mean we can’t talk about her.” He pauses. “Does she ever ask about me?”

“Danny, I’ve told you before, I don’t want to get in the middle of this.”

“It’s just a question.”

“It’s more than a question. You’re trying to find out if she wants to get back together with you.”

“Does she?” he asks, sounding hopeful.

“That’s a question for her, not me. I’m not getting involved in this.”

“Invite me to dinner.”

“No, this dinner is going to be drama-free. I can’t handle more drama with everything going on with Jake.”

“Okay, fine, but a true friend would let his friend know if he has a chance with his ex.”

“Nice try, but your guilt trips don’t work on me. I’ll see you later.”

As I’m driving home, I call Jake again, but he doesn’t answer. Why is he avoiding me? Did something bad happen and he’s trying to fix it before I find out? I’m going crazy not knowing. I realize I need to let him grow up and learn from his mistakes, but not if that mistake could get him killed. And getting involved with Troy’s girl is a mistake that could definitely get Jake killed.

23

JAKE

“Hey,I’m heading over in a few minutes,” I say to Tara as I go into my room. “You want me to stop somewhere and get us something to eat?”

“Jake, you can’t come over tonight.”

“Why?”

“I’m gonna go talk to Troy.”

“Really?” I say, thrilled that this is finally happening. “You’re breaking up with him?”

“I can’t keep putting it off. I left him a message that I wanted to talk, but haven’t heard back.”

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