Page 97 of Fly's Path

But it won’t protect them. Carves is liable to pimp them out to someone else.

Focus.

Don’t throw up.

Don’t kill him.

When the time comes, Carves is mine to deal with. My brothers will just have to understand.

It’s late, but not so late. I can dance for hours still. That’s just what I’ll do. And appreciate the fact that I went gaudy with the seafood tower. They’re now a requirement for every party I throw.

The flashing lights and bodies everywhere help me pull my focus off my problems, even as I watch the door for Fly or one of my brothers to arrive and save the day. Which is a pipe dream since we agreed that they would stay away unless I was in life or death danger.

There’s a path out of this for you. You just have to wait it out and then run to the bathroom.

My eyes drift over to the door, and I blink.

Did I take the wrong pill?

My head feels clear.

But I’m definitely seeing things. Lola…

Lola just walked into my party.

Lola’s here.

Lola can’t be here. I told her I was busy.

She’s supposed to be at the library with a half dozen textbooks, snacks, and friends.

Why is she here?

This isn’t her scene.

Lola is too sweet to be at a party like this.

Maybe she won’t see me.

Maybe she’ll just turn around and walk out because she can tell this isn’t the place for her to be.

Turn around.

Walk out.

Leave.

Please go.

There’s no way I can explain what’s happening.

The second she sees me, she’s going to lose her mind and there’s not a single thing I can do to stop it. If I go for a drink, these children are liable to follow me. If I go to my bedroom…Nope, that’s not going to work.

There’s nothing to do but stand here and hope she turns away.

Go away.

Go home, Lola.