Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Good boy,” Andy says. “By the way, consider my saving your ass as repayment for what my mom owes.”
“Sure. But what about next time?”
“There won’t be a next time.”
I shake my head. “We both know that’s a lie.”
“Is that why you came here? To hassle me over a future debt?” She rubs an already clean spot next to my arm with more vigor than necessary.
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Couldn’t say.” All I know is that there’s something that pulled me to you, Andy, and I live by my instincts.
Chapter Six
ANDY
Niki watches me as I move around the diner while working. I’m not really sure how to feel about it. I know Bobby isn’t a fan. He’s not one to hide what he’s thinking. It plays out across his face, almost comically. Not that Niki finds it funny. I’ve seen him shoot Bobby a couple of side glances, but he hasn’t said anything beyond that.
“How much longer do you have?” Niki asks. He finished his pie long ago and now has a coffee that he hasn’t touched. I think he ordered it so he’d have it in front of him and not appear to be lingering for no reason beyond watching me. I still don’t understand what he’s doing here. His vague answer before didn’t help me solve the mystery either.
“It depends.” I reach under the counter to pull my phone off the charger. The battery is shit, so it doesn't hold a charge for long. I check the time. “Pam should be getting here soon, but you never know with her.” I can’t leave until she comes.
Niki holds his hand out. I glance down at it. "You want a low five or something?" I smack it with mine. A half smile tugs at the corner of his lips. My eyes go there. I can’t help it. Niki does have nice, full lips. Where the hell did that thought come from? Who thinks about a man's lips?
"I want your phone."
"Ah," I laugh. "You're used to holding your hand out and people just handing things over.” He shrugs one of his thick shoulders. I bet lots of people give him whatever he wants, especially women.
"I want to put my number in it." His words surprise me. That was the absolute last thing I thought he was going to say.
"You think I need your number?" I lean up against the counter.
"Yeah, I do." I stare at him for a long moment. He's not being cocky or condescending. I still don’t understand why he wants me to have it. None of this makes sense to me.
"All right," I agree, handing it over to him. He might be right. What if someone else shows up on me again? They might not be as nice as he's been. Especially the part where he wiped the debt for me. Still not sure why he did that or if he’ll accept me saving him earlier for it. I might be crazy, but I don't think he's being a creep. In fact, I'm getting the opposite impression.
"Code."
"My birthday," I say before rambling off the numbers.
"That's soon."
"I suppose." Birthdays don't mean anything anymore. They did when I was little, but I can't recall the last time I celebrated. My countdown isn't for me turning eighteen. That’s the number when the government claims you're an adult. I've been an adult since I was thirteen and got my first job and started to help with rent.
I'm counting down to being out of high school and hopefully on to the next part of my life. One that gets me the hell out of here. Away from everything and with a fresh start on my own.
Niki pulls up my text messages right as one pops up from my mom. “Don't,” I tell him when his thumb hovers over it. I can’t see what it says from here, but I know it’s my mom because of the emoji next to her name.
“She’s checking on you,” he tells me, clicking the top corner to start a new text to himself.
“I thought I was getting your number, not you getting mine.” Niki only grunts a response. I grab the pot of coffee off the burner when an older gentleman at the end of the counter motions to his cup.
When I get back, he's still fiddling with my phone. "There isn't anything interesting in there," I tell him, holding my hand out. I don’t really have a social life. School, work, and survival are already enough.
"You need a new phone." He hands it back, his fingers grazing mine in the process, making a warmth bloom deep in my stomach. I suck in a breath, pulling my hand back. My reaction to his touch startles me, it's so powerful.
"I know." I check the text from my mom, wondering why she is checking on me. Usually, the situation is reversed. She's asking when I'll be getting home. I'm not sure why, but I text her back before pulling up the text Niki sent to himself.