A boy after my own heart and once again to the right. “Cool.”
I eat another taco chip and let the boys share conversation for a few minutes. They discuss an upcoming dance the frat is holding and I mentally mark the date. I’ll need more supply than normal that weekend.
Right as their conversation is about to switch, Albert says to me, “If you’re in high school, then why are you here?”
I raise my wrist and dangle the annoying orange band. “Teen night. I should ask why college boys would want to hang here tonight.”
Houston jerks his hand to the right. “Jerry’s still a minor.”
Jerry has a fake ID and Jerry must also not trust Albert if he’s keeping that a secret.
“Did you come alone?” Albert asks.
“No, but my friend is doing a guy in the bathroom and watching doesn’t turn me on.”
Houston chokes on a chip. Serves him right.
“Seriously, why here?” I push. “No alcohol is being served here tonight and I would have left Jerry’s sorry, minor ass at home. Would have thought college boys would be searching for trouble.”
Albert looks left and my Spidey-senses prickle along my skin. “We’re meeting up with somebody.”
“Anyone I know?” I cast a sideways gaze at Houston. “Mallory will be pissed if you’re trying to set up her friends with your friends. Remember how well that worked last time?”
I have no clue if that’s true or not, but I like watching people scramble to think fast.
“We’re here to meet my dealer,” says Houston. Well played. Albert straightens and Houston gestures to me. “She’s cool so don’t freak.”
I prop my elbows on the table and tilt my head, purposefully letting him think I’m attracted...to him. “Interested in buying?”
Albert scratches his nose. Not a good sign at all. “Yeah.”
He could be nervous. Maybe it’s his first time buying. First timers have a guilty look about them, but he’s too put together for the I-don’t-want-to-go-to-jail fear.
“Ever bought before?”
“Yes.” The boy doesn’t blink and I believe him.
Have you ever put anyone in handcuffs and then escorted them to the back of a police car after you bought the drugs? “I haven’t bought before.” Truth.
Albert smirks. “Are you the type that mooches off of everyone else’s supplies?”
I smile and it’s the type that causes Houston and his friend to back up. It’s the one that belongs to the streets and it’s the type that makes the invisible devil beside me cackle. Albert’s eyes narrow in on it and then he retreats a centimeter.
“Yes,” I answer. “I’m a parasite. There’s a reason creatures like us have survived as long as we have.”
I wink at him, and Albert’s trying to figure out if I’m flirting or if I’m threatening his life. Sometimes, at least with me, it’s a fine line between the two.
My cell buzzes, and it’s Rachel. Logan stayed behind for you. Just text or find him for me. He looked pale before we left. Like he was sick.
My stomach drops and I scan the club. Just damn. The boy was supposed to go home.
“Problem?” Houston asks.
“My friend’s done screwing around.” Now he’s just screwing with me.
“You.” I point at Albert. “My grandmother always said, ‘You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.’ I’ll be honest, I’m a darkness girl. Which way do you swing on that?”
Albert blinks. Several times, and it’s the expression of awareness. It’s a Bible quote and he recognizes it. His fingers drum the table and there’s a tan line on his left ring finger. This guy’s married or was married and I don’t know any frat boys with that lifestyle.
He smiles and laughs and it’s almost convincing, but he’s lied too many times for me to buy it. “Darkness.”
“You boys should go home soon,” I say as a tease. “Up and early for church.”
Two of them roll their eyes and Albert adds, “I don’t go to church.”
I nod like I agree. “Have a great life, Albert. See you later, Houston.”
I steal another chip and I walk away, my eyes roaming the room for Logan. Stupid boy staying stupid behind and possibly causing stupid problems for me.
“Hey!” It’s Houston and because he’ll hound me, I slip off into the shadowed corner again. “What the hell was up with the Bible quote?”
“He goes to church,” I say.
Houston tosses out his arms. “So do I and I still smoke pot. That doesn’t mean he’s a narc.”
“But you wouldn’t lie about it. He lied. I don’t care if you’re a priest, I’ll sell to you. In fact, I do sell to one, but I won’t if he lies. Albert’s hiding something. He’s a liar, and if I were you, I’d watch your back. Do me a favor, Houston. Don’t bring anyone else to me as a client for a while. You need to clean up your own household before you bring guests to mine.”
Houston jams his fingers through his hair causing his hat to fall off. “Fuck.” After he cracks his knuckles, he says to me, “Are we still good?”
“We’re going to have to switch up how we do things. Not just with you, with everyone in your frat, but I’ll figure that out later.”