Lost Boy - Ker Dukey Page 0,47
down a couple tables.
“Not the place—the people,” I correct.
Looking around the shop, he gestures to a booth. “Let’s at least do some studying so you can get your paper done.”
Resting my hand on his shoulder, I offer him a genuine smile. “Thank you for being a good friend. I have to work, but I’m studying in between. I promise.”
“I can help when you have your break.” He pulls out a stack of books from his backpack and holds them up like a prize.
“You’re not going to drop this, are you?”
“I’m a persistent asshole, what can I say?”
“Asshole is right,” Charlotte sneers as we approach the counter.
“What the fuck’s your problem?” he growls, dropping his stack on the counter and placing his palms down, leaning toward her.
Flicking her blonde locks over her shoulder, she gives him an amused once over. “I just don’t think you make your intentions clear and hide behind the ‘friend’ bullshit.”
Wow, this is not what I need right now.
“Men can be friends with women without wanting to fuck them, Charlotte. You wouldn’t know because you spread your legs for every and any man you meet, but it happens.”
“And is that what you want? To just be her friend?”
“Yes!” he bellows, causing a scene.
“That’s enough.” I step in, narrowing my eyes at them. I sense the wall of Clark behind me before Stephan and Charlotte look over my head at him.
“You okay, Liz?” His tone is so cold with warning, sending a blast up my spine. His hands clasp my upper arms, sliding down to my wrists.
“Who the fuck is this? You said you didn’t know him,” Stephan scoffs.
“Oh, she knows him,” Charlotte teases, flicking her tongue up to her top lip.
Hastily turning, I disengage his grip and place a hand on his chest, feeling the thundering of his heart beneath my palm. “I’m fine. It’s fine, honestly.” It takes a few seconds for him to tear his gaze from Stephan. Nodding, he steps back. Taking my wrist, he turns my palm up and places a piece of paper on it. “Call me when you’re ready for that date.”
Butterflies set loose inside me.
“I will.” I watch as he leaves, turning his head once more before fleeing through the door.
“That there, is your competition,” Charlotte mocks with a snide chuckle.
“Fuck off, whore,” Stephan sneers before holding my eyes. “You don’t feed into the crap she spews, right?”
“Of course not. I know we’re just friends.” I reach out, squeezing his arm.
“So, who is he?”
“Our neighbor and Lizzy’s kissing friend,” Charlotte says, continuing to stir the pot. “And if I had to choose between…” She wiggles her finger at Stephan and the door where Clark left.
Grabbing her finger, I growl, “Stop.”
“Do I look like I struggle to get women?” Stephan snorts. “I don’t have competition because I’m not a child, I’m a grown fucking man. Now, make yourself useful and bring over some coffee.” He picks up his books and marches over to a booth.
Smirking, I shrug a shoulder. “You just got told.”
“Oh, fuck off. He’s a dick.”
Eighteen
Flexing my hand, I close my textbook and yawn. The shop’s been quiet, giving me plenty of study time. Charlotte and Stephan left over an hour ago, and Jeff just got back after taking off at lunch.
“We’re closing early,” he informs me. I want to ask why, but this never happens, and my feet are a little sore from being on them all day. I rush over to a table that still has a tray of dirty cups on it. “Lizzy,” Jeff barks, and I startle from his tone, “just leave it.” Pushing my books into my arms, he ushers me toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Be here for delivery,” he tells me, locking himself inside.
Good night to you too, asshole.
It’s dark and cold. I hurry to put my coat on and check my cell. I can’t call Stephan for a ride. Besides, it’s bullshit to make him come back here when I can just walk it. It’s not far.
A couple of cars pass me. Once their headlights fade, the darkness of the night creeps over me, making every hair follicle stand on end. My cell phone rings, and my heart almost stops. Charlotte. A slither of disappointment washes through me that it’s not Clark, even though I didn’t give him my number.
“Hello?” Moans greet me back. “Hello?” I try again. She butt dialed me while getting laid. Gross. I end the call. My feet pick up speed until I’m practically jogging.