“I am not sleep deprived! I just want to know what I’m up against. And don’t think I can’t see that you’ve been checked out lately. That whole thing with Mr. Salesi and then the break-in at Nico’s…I’m your best friend, and I feel like you don’t tell me anything! I know there’s some serious shit going on. Don’t you trust me enough to talk to me?”
She puts her hand over mine and slides next to me on the couch. “Sloane, listen. You’re my best friend in the world. I would never want to see you in danger. Do you really think I’d watch from the sidelines if I thought being with my brother would hurt you?”
“Is that what Nico promised you when you guys started dating? That you’d never be in danger? Did you believe him? Did you think that night would have ever happened?”
“Listen,” she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “What happened to Mr. Salesi was a horrible accident, a hit and run, just like the police said. And the break-in? It was a guy Nico used to work with who was hopped up on some crazy drugs. He claimed Nico owed him money because he was so strung out and needed cash to keep up his habit. Yes, it was dangerous and scary, but he’s not a threat anymore.”
“Because you killed him!” I clutch the sides of my head. “Do you know how hard it is to get my arms around that? How did you even know how to fire the gun?”
She shrugs. “I guess in the heat of the moment, you just do. You don’t think. It was self-defense. I did what I had to do.” A sigh deflates her shoulders. “I still have nightmares about that night.”
I pull her in for a quick hug. “I can only imagine. But that’s because you’ve never actually talked to me about it, even though I’ve always been here for you, hoping you’d open up about it.”
She gives me a tight squeeze. “There are things I just don’t like to talk about because they unleash memories I want to keep buried. That’s all. Don’t ever think it’s because I don’t want to open up to you.”
“I just get nervous, for all of you. Sometimes I feel like I could deal with it better if I actually knew what I was dealing with.”
“They work normal jobs. It’s just that they deal with some not-so-nice people in the process. People could go postal at any job, you know? There are never any guarantees. Hell, one day I may become a therapist to someone who decides he doesn’t like my analyses and comes into my office to blow off my head. Shit happens, babe. Anywhere and anytime, no matter what business you’re in. The question is, are you ready to deal with it when it does? And those guys? They’re always prepared.”
“Boy Scouts of the Underworld.” I nod. “That makes me feel so much better.”
“It’s just to give you some perspective. As for me, I’m dealing with things.” She rubs her head. “A lot of things, not just with Nico. My dad…he’s just been so off lately. He snaps at anything and everything, and if Max is around, forget it.”
My gut clenches at the thought of Tony attacking Max. Lord knows, I’ve witnessed it plenty of times in the past, but this time, it’s different. I feel more protective of him now. “Do you have any idea why?”
She shakes her head. “I’ve tried talking to him about it, but he just shuts down. He’s even been really abrupt with my mom, which never happens. I know things at work haven’t been fantastic, but at least he’s got a job and makes good money. I’m not sure where all of the stress is coming from.”
Anger bubbles in my veins when I think about Max going to his parents’ house and getting pummeled by Tony’s toxic tirades. It aggravates me even more now that I’ve spoken to Max about it. I see how it affects him. He’d always just blow it off, but you can only do that for so long. The scars on his chest are nothing compared to the ones Tony has inflicted on his heart over the years. “Everybody has stress. That’s just life. It doesn’t mean you have to take it all out on everyone.”
Shaye furrows her brows at me. I guess I let a little bit of that anger out in my words. “I just know how much it bothers Max, that’s all.”
She nods and a smile lifts her glossy lips. “Because you looooooove him. Admit it, Sloaney-baloney! You’re in love with my brother. Every single time his name comes up, this wide-eyed, puppy dog look of utter adoration flashes over your face. Don’t get me wrong, it’s cute as hell to see you like this. About time, too.”
A deep red flush heats my cheeks, and my hands fly to my face. “Cut it out. I’m not in love.”
“Oh, yeah? Then stop getting that dreamy look in your eye every time I mention his name. Max! See? That’s the one I’m talking about.” She grins, pushing her face into mine. “Max, Max, Max!”
I tumble backward on the couch in a fit of giggles, my eyes squeezed shut.
“You can’t hide it from me! I’m an extremely perceptive person, lady!” She leans over me, shouting into my face.
I cover my face with my hands. “Why are you attacking me like this?” I rasp, still breathless from the laughter. “What’s the difference whether or not I love him?”
She starts tickling my sides, digging her fingertips into my stomach, which she knows will get me to do anything she says. “Because I just want to know. Tell me!”
“Ahh!” My breaths are so sharp, sounding more like gasps with every second that passes. My belly heaves as the hysterics take hold. “S-stooooop! I can’t b-breeeeeathe!”
“Say it!”
“Okaaaaaaay!”
She straightens up and wiggles her fingers in the air. “Don’t get excited. It’s a quick pause. Speak!”
I take a deep breath, filling my lungs once again. Damn, oxygen is nice. I have a clear path to Shaye’s left which will get me into my bedroom, door locked, before she can leap at me again. No doubt she’ll try, too. “I…I…” I jump off the couch and crouch low, dashing past her and around the couch. A few more steps and I’m home free. Literally.
I shut the door behind me and lock it.
She lets out a loud huff and flips on the television. “I really don’t understand why you can’t just answer the question. Now get dressed. I made you a special appointment, and we’re going to be late.”
I rake a brush through my long hair and throw it into a ponytail. “Where are we going?” I call out.
Her voice gets louder as she approaches my bedroom door. “Tonight is a big night for you. I want to make sure you look absolutely perfect when you give that speech.”
I crack open the door. “Um, what exactly does that mean? Are you going to try to stick me in another one of your Saran Wrap dresses? Because it’s really not that kind of an event, you know.”
She snickers. “I’m talking about your hair.” She peers at it. “Although I can see you finally washed it. Good girl. That’s half the battle right there.”