“You’re probably going to regret that,” I said. “It’s becoming apparent that I shouldn’t be allowed in public at all.”
“Nah,” he said. “It’s… refreshing.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Jeremy muttered.
Adam frowned. “And….” He shook his head. “I’m sorry for what happened in there. I know it’s easy to judge one by the company they keep, but I have a feeling that things are going to change in this house in the near future. Please don’t think I—we—condone anything that was said. We don’t. We never have.”
“You’re right,” I said bluntly. “It is easy to judge. Brad is still here, after all.”
Adam nodded but didn’t say anything more.
Stephen wrapped his arm around Adam’s waist. “I knew you were someone special,” he said. “I just didn’t know how special. Jeremy, email me the proposal as soon as you can. I’ll give Marina a call next week and let her know what the plan is. And I’ll make sure the others stick to their word.” He cocked his head at me. “Have you given any thought to returning to Phoenix House after you graduate?”
I smiled weakly. “I haven’t really thought that far ahead.”
“Consider it, Corey. That place needs someone like you. Hell, give it a couple of years and I can see you as the director. You’d be perfect for the job. Any recommendation I could give, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
I was touched. “You’re not so bad, I guess.”
He laughed. “That’s good to hear.” He sobered. “And I’m sorry you had to find out about the whole… Andrew Taylor thing like you did. I can’t imagine what this must be like for his sons. I don’t see how they’ll need to be involved, but I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen, regardless.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re not going to give him up as a client, though.”
He didn’t look away. “No. I’m not.”
I nodded. “Didn’t think so. I just hope you understand the type of person he is. And you’ll have my thoughts and prayers when you lose the upcoming trial. Regardless, I’ll take your—meaning his—money anyway. I’m not picky like that. Maybe you could even tell him what it’s for—”
“And that’s our cue to leave,” Jeremy announced and began to pull me down the walkway toward the slut machine. “Thank you, Stephen, Adam. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Brad!” I shouted toward the open door. “It was lovely to meet you! Have a good life!”
“You just have to get the last word, don’t you?” Jeremy growled.
Damn fucking right I did.
And that was how I blackmailed the Super Gays out of their money to save the youth center.
Fucking eighties movies.
Chapter 13: I’m So Fucking Screwed (Semi-Porn Edition)
I WAS hyped the fuck up. I could barely sit still as we drove out of the foothills and back into the valley. “I mean, did you see the looks on their faces? I thought Brad was going to throw the first punch. Which would have been fine because I’m a scrappy motherfucker when I need to be. I mean, sure, he’s bigger than me and we were outnumbered, but I would have fought dirty because it would have been awesome. Go for the throat or the balls right away. Always.”
Jeremy glanced over at me, headlights from oncoming cars flashing over his face. “I appreciate you withholding your… scrappiness.”
I laughed wildly. “No problem, man.” I was pumped. I felt slightly crazed. It was all adrenaline, and I’d probably crash soon, but I was riding that wave for all it was worth. “Why the fuck are they friends with that asshole?” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why are you friends with him?”
“I’m not. Brad is… an acquaintance. Nothing more.”
I was relieved. “Good. Because I’d almost feel bad talking shit about him if he was your friend.”
“Almost
?”
I grinned at him.
He shook his head. “That went… differently than I expected.”